The Marquette Blues

Marquette-Wisconsin game is always one of my favorites of the year. Obviously, it is a game where I would like to see my team win given the in-state bragging rights, but also the game itself tends to deliver in a major way in terms of excitement with a close hard-fought basketball game. On Saturday when Wisconsin won their ninth consecutive win, 60-54 against Marquette, the loss felt more disappointing than upsetting with the lack of hustle by Marquette and Todd Mayo's suspension prohibiting him from playing on Saturday.

My biggest takeaway from Marquette's effort on Saturday was it seemed like every offensive rebound and loose ball went to Wisconsin. This is not one of those times where I get all optimistic and say 'Well Wisconsin just caught the breaks today.' No, this is more of Wisconsin wanting it more than Marquette throughout the entire basketball game. These are things that go unnoticed in box scores, but become sparkling clear of what kind of year it could be for Marquette and that is worrisome to say least.  

This is not a push of a panic button or walking off the ledge of a season, no, it is a concerned fan's approach about what is the makeup of this team. The narrative for Buzz Williams' coaching career has been a group of guys whom work their asses off to make up for some inefficiencies and they find a way to get it done. None of that would describe this year's Marquette team. Now, Marquette has be known to figure it out once the team hits conference play. Let's remember in 2008-2009, they started the season off 11-8 only to finish 22-11 and get a sixth seed. Marquette can become a team like that again, but they desperately need a leader right now.

Who will that be? That's a million dollar question. Jamil Wilson might have to be nicknamed 'The Magician' if he keeps up the inconsistent strong play from him. Davante Gardner is way too quiet to be a leader. Derrick Wilson does not seem to have enough Junior Cadougan in him to be that guy. For the record, I never thought I would miss Junior, but here we are in December with me yearning for him like Cindy Lou Who wondering where Christmas went. This leader may never come honestly because college basketball year can provide weird combinations of players. I have to accept that and I am not ready to admit it just yet.

Todd Mayo will not be one of those leaders. I believe this is the third consecutive year where Mayo has missed one game for 'violation of team rules.' Mayo seems to be a man with a million chances, or he just does basic dumb shit meaning Williams does not want to kick him off the team. We never really saw a report about what Mayo exactly did, but you start wondering when the last straw will be for him. Not having Mayo in one of the biggest games of the year is just too much for this Marquette team to handle right now. Hopefully, he comes back refreshed and ready to work again because I still believe in Todd Mayo.

Marquette will be home this Saturday for the first time since November 21st, and it is much needed for this team. They also face mid-majors for a couple weeks before heading out to Las Vegas next Saturday for an important game against New Mexico. A game that might even borderline on a must-win to ensure the Golden Eagles have one signature win in the non-conference. I would never count Marquette out, but my hope is things will improve in the next couple weeks or this season could take a drastic turn.

Charlie.