MILWAUKEE — As fifth-ranked Marquette aimed for revenge against Providence after December's 72-57 blunder on the road, Shaka Smart was hoping to see more Energy Generating Behaviors (EGB's) in Wednesday's rematch.
The Golden Eagles (22-6, 13-4 BIG EAST) set the tone early with six-straight defensive stops, recording one-of-two "skunks" in the first nine minutes of game action.
A "skunk" is a term coined by Smart to keep track of consecutive defensive stops. Three stops in a row is a "kill zone", while six is a "skunk."
This Marquette team right now is wreaking havoc on Providence 🤯
— Ashley Washburn (@ashleyjwashburn) February 29, 2024
Six defensive stops to start the game, and offensively they’re ROLLING shooting 7-for-10 to start the game.#MUBB is up 20-4 at the second media timeout.
“They deserved to win,” Providence coach Kim English said. “They deserved to win in easy fashion. It was the start of the game. I told our guys that’s on me. I’ve got to find different ways to have our guys ready.”
Marquette's relentless defensive effort translated to high-powered scoring, rolling past Providence 91-69 Wednesday night at Fiserv Forum.
While finishing the game 33-of-58 (56.9%) from the field, the Golden Eagles hit 14 three-pointers in Wednesday's win to mark their second-highest total this season.
“I feel like our defense was a game-changer,” Ross said. “It took them out of what they wanted to do, and so it fueled our offense as you could see.”
After two back-to-back 34-point performances against DePaul and Xavier, Kam Jones continued his hot streak with a 17-point performance to lead all Marquette scorers.
The Golden Eagles had five scorers in total finish with double digits including David Joplin (13), Tyler Kolek (12), Stevie Mitchell (12), and Chase Ross (12).
Kolek only logged 18 minutes in Wednesday's contest after leaving the game with a possible oblique injury in the second half.
#MUBB Shaka Smart said he doesn’t know the extent of Tyler Kolek’s injury at the moment.
— Ashley Washburn (@ashleyjwashburn) February 29, 2024
He shared that Kolek was still getting checked out by trainers postgame and that it appears to be a possible oblique injury. pic.twitter.com/gAdwJNKaGh
The point guard did not return to the sideline and was still being looked at by trainers post game, according to Smart. He said he didn't know the extent of Kolek's injury.
“He said that he made a pass and kind of twisted his body, and he just felt it,” Smart said. “I didn't see it when it happened, but he's with the training staff now.”
Marquette faces a tough two-game stretch with No. 12 Creighton on the road Saturday and No. 3 UConn at home next Wednesday.
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