March 11, 2007

MILWAUKEE - The Marquette men's basketball team will make its 25th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, Thursday, at 7:20 p.m. EDT, as the No. 8 seed in the East Region, against No. 9 seeded Michigan State. The No. 18/19 Golden Eagles (24-9) will face the Spartans (22-11) in Winston-Salem, N.C., as they make their second-straight appearance in the field of 64.

Should Marquette win and advance to the second round, it will face the winner of the match-up between the No. 1 seed North Carolina (28-6) and the No. 16 seed Eastern Kentucky (21-11).

In their 24 previous first round games, the Golden Eagles are 14-10 and have a 32-25 all-time record. They have advanced as far the championship game twice, winning it all in 1977 against North Carolina.

Michigan State holds a 30-23 all-time advantage against Marquette.