Everyone around college basketball expected to hear more whistles this season. Referees were instructed to strictly enforce directives established two years ago that permitted less contact on the perimeter, cracked down on physical play in the post and generally allowed for more freedom of movement for players with or without the ball.
The number of fouls called was expected to increase while teams adjusted defensively. And so far that's mostly been the case, including with Marquette.
Entering its game against Presbyterian (5-7) at 1 p.m. Sunday, Marquette (9-2) is averaging 17.5 fouls per game, which is a higher rate than the Golden Eagles had in four of their past five seasons.