The last time Marquette hosted a top 10 team, fans stormed the court after the Golden Eagles’ 74-72 upset over the No. 1 Villanova Wildcats last January.
There won’t be nearly as many students at Marquette’s conference opener against the No. 5/6 Xavier Musketeers, but a win would be nearly as impactful. Although Xavier is favored, head coach Chris Mack isn’t taking Marquette lightly, especially after the Golden Eagles beat his Musketeers twice last year.
“We just have to go in there with a heightened sense of urgency, especially on the defensive end,” Mack said in a team-released video.