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The Marquette Golden Eagles torched the Western Carolina Catamounts on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. In doing so they picked up their fifth win of the year to the tune of 90-44.
Marquette was spearheaded by a balanced effort in which nine players recorded at least three points. Leading the way for the Golden Eagles Wednesday night was freshman Markus Howard. Howard scored 17 points on a 42.8 percent mark from the field (6-14 FG), a 40 percent mark from the 3-point line (4-10 3PT FG) and made the lone free throw that he attempted.
It marks the second game in a row that Howard has entered double figures and the third time he’s hit the threshold after scoring 12 against Howard on November 14.
That balanced effort had a trickle-down effect on the rest of the team. Three other players joined Howard in double figures as Luke Fischer, Jajuan Johnson and Andrew Rowsey netted 15, 13 and 21 points respectively on the night. Matt Heldt and Sam Hauser each had six points, Haanif Cheatham had five, Duane Wilson had four and Traci Carter.
It is perhaps one of their best offensive performances to date, shown by their points possession mark of 1.286.
What we learned
Marquette’s got quite an assembly of talent
The Golden Eagles’ depth was on display in this blowout victory. Nine players on scholarship were able to record at least three points, with almost half of that number getting up to double digits. When the MU offense is rolling, it’s a fun watch for sure. Their level of play will have to, of course, elevate against stiffer competition. But nonetheless, the Golden Eagles are deep and have plenty to pack a punch.
Rowsey was finally “rowdy”
The former UNC Asheville transfer had his best performance to date as he led the charge with 21 points scored. He showed off his scoring versatility as he was able to connect on four of seven attempts from the 3-point line, wreaking havoc from outside as many expected him to. After a sluggish start to the year, going just 22.2 percent on 3-point attempts entering Wednesday, Rowsey was finally able to get on the right track.
We’re about to find out more about Marquette
MU’s lone true road game of their nonconference slate looms this weekend. The Golden Eagles will be traveling down to Athens to take on a tough Georgia Bulldogs team that is laden with experience. They may not be one of the titans of the SEC, but Marquette may face some issues inside Stegeman Coliseum. At 4-2, this weekend’s tilt with UGA will be an important one for MU as they look to bolster their resume after their 0-for-2 stint in New York City. So we’re about to find out if the Golden Eagles have the chops or not.