Marquette looks to stay hot as they head to Chicago to face DePaul

After dropping to 4-7 in Big East play with a February 3 loss to the Providence Friars, the Marquette Golden Eagles rallied to win three of their next four to pull to 7-8 in conference play and put themselves in fine position to make some noise down the stretch, starting with Saturday’s game against the DePaul Blue Demons.

How to watch, listen, or stream

Time: 11 a.m. CT

TV: FOX Sports Networks (Check local listings)

Radio: 670 The Score (DePaul), ESPN 540 (Marquette)

Streaming: FOX Sports Go (Where available)

Gamblin’ Info

Line: Marquette (-3.5)

O/U: 156

[via OddsShark]

Will Markus Howard play?

Probably not! He’s listed as doubtful in the game notes. Howard suffered a hip contusion in Marquette’s victory over Creighton last Saturday.

Key Players

Marin Maric - DePaul

The graduate transfer has been huge (get it) for DePaul this year, averaging 14 points and 6.4 rebounds per game for the Blue Demons. In the first meeting between these teams this year, Maric had six points, his second-lowest scoring output in Big East play thus far. He has scored in double figures in seven of eight games since then. Marquette has allowed opponents to shoot a Big East-worst 55.2% on two-pointers in conference play, the majority of which come from down low as the Golden Eagles are still looking for a solution to their big man problem. If Maric can get going, he could set the pace for DePaul.

Sam Hauser - Marquette

If Howard doesn’t play, Hauser will be the focal point of Marquette’s offense. The sophomore forward has taken a giant leap forward this season. He’s shooting 50% from three, and 51% in conference play so far, as he’s been especially good the past two weeks, shooting 14-21 from long range en route to Marquette’s 3-1 stretch.

With Howard out and Rowsey struggling, Hauser has held the team together. If that continues Saturday, Marquette will win.