The UC Bearcats suffered their second consecutive loss when they were beaten by the Golden Eagles of Marquette, by a score of 82-76 before a sellout crowd of 13,176 at Shoemaker Center February 1. What makes this loss especially terrible is that it was UC’s second loss in Conference USA in as many games. Right from the start, it didn’t seem that the Bearcats had the drive and determination to beat the very talented Marquette team, which is currently ranked 18th in the country.
The game started to follow a trend from the opening missed lay-up by Leonard Stokes during UC’s first possession, and it didn’t seem as if the Bearcats would be able to pull themselves out of the rut. Missed opportunities by UC led to points for the Golden Eagles, and Marquette continued to dominate the Bearcats in every aspect of the game.
The Shoemaker Center witnessed Marquette’s physical dominance over UC.
The Bearcats were unable to control the 6-foot-10 presence of Robert Jackson, who scored six points inside of the first three minutes, giving him 21 total points for the game. The newly acquired guard for the Golden Eagles made the transfer to Marquette this season after attending Mississippi State. Even the impressive stature of Jason Maxiell was unable to contain the dominant Jackson once he got the ball inside the paint.
The Golden Eagles led by a score of 39-30 at the end of the first half led by Jackson and guard Wade, who received the honor of being named Pre-season C-USA Player of the Year. UC was, however, able to keep Wade in check, but only because he received two fouls early in the game, so that he had to spend much of the first half sitting on the bench. Wade ended the game with 16 points.
The second half appeared to be brighter for the Bearcats, but yet again, it was too little too late. In the second half, the ‘Cats outscored Marquette 46-43, led by Field Williams. The objective during the second half was to kick the ball out to Williams behind the arch, in hopes that he could hit the three and shorten UC’s deficit. It worked to a certain extent. Williams finished the game with a game high 22 points, which made the final score seem a little closer than it actually was. Tony Bobbit also helped the Bearcats by contributing 16 points, 12 of these coming in the final 4:17 of play.
Prior to the last two loses, UC had won eight consecutive games. UC’s offense shot a depressing 37.5 percent from the field, and the ‘Cats were outrebounded 37-22.
Unfortunately, their schedule didn’t get any easier, with No. 8 Louisville and No. 9 Oklahoma State on tap next.