It seems like almost all prominent college basketball teams take their talents to a warm weather or big city location to play in a holiday tournament featuring games that can really improved their non-conference resume come March. Marquette played in the Wooden Legacy where they made it to the final to play San Diego State after they upset Creighton making it a de facto road game for the Golden Eagles. They fell for the third time this season losing 67-59 in a game marred with a combination of bad officiating and Marquette not being able to capitalized when it mattered the most. When teams lose close games, it is simple to blame officials. In fact, it is the easiest thing to do because it diverts the blame off the players at hand. The officials in last night's affair between the two squads were awful, there is no real way to sugarcoat it. Jeff Triplette looks like a goddamn officiating genius compared to these three in Anaheim on Sunday night. There is bad officiating all over college and professional sports, but when it is blatantly obvious to the viewer at home, you wonder how is this possible? Further, if it becomes a lopsided effort where one team suffers more costing them the win, the defeat becomes more depressing.
The two worst calls obviously came late in the game when they mattered the most to Marquette. After a strong defensive possession, Winston Shepard, San Diego State's highly touted 2012 recruit, rose up for a three only get 'fouled' by Jake Thomas. After the replay, Thomas was being held like a defensive lineman and only reached to attempt to alter Shepard's shot. He would make two of three free throws giving San Diego State two point lead.
On the very next possession, the second bad call came when Deonte 'Bane' Burton had the ball on the baseline and started to go to the lane with a San Diego State player flopping in the process of the play. Burton lost control of the ball when the ball hit off an Aztec player, not Deonte's foot. On the subsequent possession, Shepard scored again pushing San Diego State's lead to four with under two minutes left to play. Both calls killed Marquette's chances at winning last night yet they were not the end all be all of their struggles.
On the very next possession, the second bad call came when Deonte 'Bane' Burton had the ball on the baseline and started to go to the lane with a San Diego State player flopping in the process of the play. Burton lost control of the ball when the ball hit off an Aztec player, not Deonte's foot. On the subsequent possession, Shepard scored again pushing San Diego State's lead to four with under two minutes left to play. Both calls killed Marquette's chances at winning last night yet they were not the end all be all of their struggles.
The officials were not the only problem with Marquette on Sunday evening. They missed 10 free throws throughout the game, and that proved to be the difference. Only Steve Taylor Jr. was perfect from the charity stripe meaning seven Marquette players missed at least one free throw attempt. For the season, Marquette has one game where they have shot over 70 percent from the free-throw line meaning Golden Eagles are missing right around four free throws per every 10 they shoot. This is not a good sign for a team who prides themselves on getting to the line. Further, usually poor free-throw shooting cannot be fixed which should be worrisome for Marquette.
Another major issue with Marquette's performance yesterday was the second-chance points for San Diego State. While the rebounding does not look one sided on the box score, it felt like the Aztecs got every rebound possible including a brutal tip-in late in the game after Marquette had already allowed one offensive rebound. I see this as a blip on the radar. San Diego State is a physical team and not having Davante Gardner at 100 percent probably plays into why the Aztecs dominated glass on Sunday. Further, this was the first time they played a true zone and it was clear Marquette had some confusion on the defense end was to whom to box out.
Marquette now has three losses to begin the year. They still have tough games against Wisconsin and New Mexico in December meaning they could have five losses before they get to conference play. Marquette needs one of those wins at the very least to improve their non-conference resume. Saturday against Wisconsin is not a must-win, but the game carries even more importance than just being a rivalry.
Charlie.
Another major issue with Marquette's performance yesterday was the second-chance points for San Diego State. While the rebounding does not look one sided on the box score, it felt like the Aztecs got every rebound possible including a brutal tip-in late in the game after Marquette had already allowed one offensive rebound. I see this as a blip on the radar. San Diego State is a physical team and not having Davante Gardner at 100 percent probably plays into why the Aztecs dominated glass on Sunday. Further, this was the first time they played a true zone and it was clear Marquette had some confusion on the defense end was to whom to box out.
Marquette now has three losses to begin the year. They still have tough games against Wisconsin and New Mexico in December meaning they could have five losses before they get to conference play. Marquette needs one of those wins at the very least to improve their non-conference resume. Saturday against Wisconsin is not a must-win, but the game carries even more importance than just being a rivalry.
Charlie.
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