2018 NIT First Round: Marquette defeats Harvard in Milwaukee

For the first time since 2004, the Marquette Golden Eagles have won an NIT game!

Led by Markus Howard’s 22 points, Marquette downed the Harvard Crimson, 67-60 at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee. It was never really close, as Marquette led for the final 32 minutes of the game. The lead got as high as 19 at one point in the 4th quarter.

Yes, the NIT is playing quarters this year. It was interesting. It’s also pretty cool that the NCAA uses the NIT to do some experimental things.

Perhaps the biggest positive for Marquette in the win was their free throw shooting. The Golden Eagles went 18-19 from the charity stripe, including Howard’s 7-7 performance.

For Harvard, Justin Bassey led the way with 19 points. Unlike Marquette, the Crimson struggled at the free throw line. They shot just 9-17 from the stripe.

Andrew Rowsey finished with 15 points for the Golden Eagles.

Marquette will host Oregon Sunday afternoon at the Al McGuire Center.