Dec. 3, 2009

MU-NC St. Game Notes (PDF)

The Marquette University men's basketball team returns home to the Bradley Center Saturday afternoon to face North Carolina State in non-conference action at 2 p.m. CT. The matchup will mark the first of two-straight home outings for the Golden Eagles, who also host Milwaukee on Dec. 8. The BIG EAST Network will feature Saturday's broadcast, with Jim Barbar (play-by-play) and Mike Kelley (analyst) calling the action.

Defense Carries MU To Old Spice Title Game
The Golden Eagles averaged nearly 70 points per game in their three games at the Old Spice Classic, but it was the team's defense that carried the squad to the championship game.

In the matchups with Xavier, Michigan and Florida State, MU allowed the trio to shoot just 41.4 percent from the field overall and 22.6 percent from behind the 3-point line. The shooting struggles even carried over to the free throw line, where the teams combined to knock down just 56.8 percent of their opportunities.

Limiting Shot Attempts Also Key To Success
Marquette's defense has also been impressive in terms of creating turnovers as well. MU currently ranks second in the BIG EAST and 15th in the nation in steals per game (10.7). Maurice Acker and Jimmy Butler rank among the league leaders in steals, but four players have reached double figures in thefts already in 2009-10.

MU Taking Advantage Of Early Charity
In 2008-09 the Golden Eagles finished among the league leaders in free throws made and attempted per game.

MU is well on it's way to repeating that feat this season. Through the first seven games, Marquette has made 104 charity tosses, while its opposition has only attempted 107.

Limited Series Has Produced Memorable Matchups
Marquette and NC State have met on just four occasions all-time, but the first meeting couldn't have come on a bigger stage as it determined the 1974 national champion.

The top-ranked Wolfpack claimed the title with a 76-64 win over MU in Greensboro Coliseum, led by the tourney's most valuable player, David Thompson (21 points, seven rebounds).

Former Marquette standout Maurice Lucas led three players in double figures with 21 points, earning a spot on the all-tournament team. MU would earn its own national title in 1977.

The Golden Eagles gained a small measure of revenge last season when Dominic James' 3-pointer in the closing seconds proved to be the game winner in a 68-65 victory on the road.