clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Providence vs. Marquette final score: 3 things we learned from the Golden Eagles' victory

MU bounces back from a loss on New Year's Eve with a win over the Friars in Milwaukee.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

After falling to DePaul on New Years Eve, Marquette rebounded to nab their first win of the Big East season against a talented and deep Providence team by the score of 75-66. Juan Anderson led them to the finish line with 18 points and also contributed with three rebounds and three steals.

JaJuan Johnson had 10 rebounds coming of the bench for Marquette and it was a solid win in all facets for the Golden Eagles in their Big East home opener.

Here are three things we learned from this Saturday afternoon matchup:

1. It looks like home court advantage is going to play a big role in the Big East

In every single Big East game played so far on Saturday, the home team has won. Villanova lost at Seton Hall, Xavier lost to DePaul in Rosemont, and of course, the Friars fell in MIlwaukee. All the away teams shot poorly, and the home teams where able to get the crowd involved especially in games like these when Providence, Villanova, and Xavier were supposed win. Home court advantage plays a huge role in college basketball, and today's games serves as a prime example. By the way, Providence has never beaten Marquette at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.

2. LaDonate Henton cannot win games by himself

LaDonate Henton finished with 28 points even though he shot 9-of-23 from the field. If the Friars want to win on the road, everyone needs to contribute. One key player who has not gotten the number of shots he deserved is Tyler Harris. Harris worked really hard over the summer with his brother Tobias Harris, who has been a star for the NBA's Orlando Magic. He is quicker and more agile than last year but against Marquette, he only took five field goal attempts. He played a crucial role for Providence winning the Big East Tournament and Tyler needs to get more involved in the offense if Providence is going to win games on the road. If he was able to have 10 or 12 shots, this game could have been completely different.

3. The turnover battle truly determines the outcome of the game

Marquette did not have one true player with a lot of assist, but the unselfishness of the Golden Eagles was shown in the box score by everyone on the roster. Everyone contributed even though there were a few turnovers here and there. Kris Dunn is the only player on Providence was the only player to have more than three assists in the game, but he also committed eight turnovers which is not going to get the Friars back to the NCAA Tournament. Kyron Cartwight is the backup point guard and did not score or get any assists, but was able to get four turnovers with only little playing time. The Friars had 17 turnovers in total, and looking at that stat alone, I am surprised the Friars did not get blown out.