The Marquette Golden Eagles mens’ basketball team swallowed a tough loss on Sunday afternoon against the Xavier Musketeers, 91-88.
Marquette and Xavier shared similar statistical numbers in the first half but the Musketeers did not entertain the same idea in the second half, shooting 69% from the field compared to the Golden Eagles 56%. Marquette trailed by four points with 25 seconds remaining prior to Koby McEwen splashing a three-pointer from the left side that was followed up by a successful free throw attempt to tie the game, 88-88. Marquette tried to send the game into overtime but Xavier’s Adam Kunkel nailed a three-pointer with four seconds left on the clock to seal the victory. Marquette couldn't stop Xaviers Paul Scruggs, who landed 29 points, 15 coming from three-point land. The Golden Eagles were led by McEwen and Dawson Garcia, both scored 20 points a piece. The Musketeers outrebounded the Golden Eagles 31-26, while also collecting 12 more points from their bench than Marquette did. Marquette fell to 5-4 on the season and will host their next conference game on Wednesday against Villinova at 6pm.
