Marquette Deals with Losses

The Marquette Golden Eagles lost three of their four leading scorers, and their two leading scorers to graduation last year. The three were guards Jerel McNeal, Wesley Matthews, and Dominic James. Forward Lazar Hayward returned to the team for his senior season after averaging 16.3 points per game last year. He was the only returnee who averaged six or more points per game last year. That team won 25 games and an NCAA tournament game.

Hayward has led the team with 18.8 points, and has pulled down seven rebounds per game, but has gotten much needed help. Junior guard/forward Jimmy Butler emerged from role player to star, as he has increased his scoring average by ten points per game. Butler has scored 15.6 points and grabbed 7.4 boards per game. He has shot 60.2% from the field, and has drained seven of his ten three point attempts. Sophomore guard Darius Johnson-Odom has scored better than 12 points per contest, while shooting 55.8% from downtown. Senior guard Maurice Acker is a diminutive 5-8 and 165 pounds. But, he has handed out 3.6 assists per game, while turning the ball over just 1.4 times per game. His 2.1 steals per game lead the team. The Golden Eagles have a lot of upperclassmen getting playing time, but have three freshman that were each ranked as top-100 recruits by ESPN coming into college.

The Golden Eagles started the year with six consecutive victories including one over No. 15 Michigan. However, three losses in their past four games have given them a 7-3 record for the year. They lost to a few good teams, though, in Florida State, North Carolina State, and 23^rd ranked Wisconsin.

The team's success last year will be tough to match. That group came four points away from a Sweet 16 berth. However, this year's team may be able to qualify for the NCAA tournament. And as everyone knows, once a team makes the tournament, anything can happen (unless we're talking about a No. 16 seed). Marquette is a talented team that has a lot of players taking on new roles. They should improve as the season goes on.

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