Marquette's men's basketball team suffered a disappointing 87-76 loss to Butler, extending their struggles this season. Despite a late-game push that brought them within three points, Marquette faltered, failing to secure defensive stops in crucial moments. Coach Shaka Smart emphasized the need for better defensive execution to close out games. The Golden Eagles shot a dismal 18.5% from 3-point range and only managed five successful shots from beyond the arc.

By the Numbers
  • Marquette shot 18.5% from 3-point range, hitting only 5 of 27 attempts.
  • Marquette finished with 2-for-8 shooting and two turnovers in the last 3:58 of the game.
Yes, But

While Marquette struggled offensively, Butler's first-half shooting was also poor, going just 1-for-10 from deep. This highlights that both teams faced challenges with their shooting capabilities throughout the game.

State of Play
  • Marquette is now 7-14 for the season, with a 3-8 record in the Big East Conference.
  • The Golden Eagles will host Creighton next, seeking to turn their fortunes around.
What's Next

Marquette will aim to bounce back against Creighton in their next match-up, where they need to improve their shooting accuracy and defensive performance to secure a win.

Bottom Line

Marquette must address their shooting woes and improve defensively if they want to reverse their season's trajectory. Consistent execution in key moments will be vital for future success in the remaining games.