Marquette pulled off a stunning upset at Fiserv Forum, taking down Providence 105-104 in a game that will be remembered for its frenetic pace and dramatic finish. The Golden Eagles, led by Nigel James Jr.'s incredible 38-point, 8-assist performance, defied expectations and handed the Friars a devastating loss. CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Providence winning by 2.8 points, but Marquette had other plans, outscoring the Friars 54-44 in the first half and holding on for dear life as Providence mounted a furious comeback.
Jaylin Sellers was phenomenal for the Friars, pouring in 27 points and dishing out 5 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Golden Eagles' balanced attack. Marquette's Royce Parham and Chase Ross chipped in with 18 and 16 points, respectively, as the team's offense hummed along, scoring 105 points against a normally stingy Providence defense. The Friars, meanwhile, got strong contributions from Stefan Vaaks (26 points) and Jamier Jones (17 points, 9 rebounds), but their inability to slow down Marquette's offense ultimately proved costly.
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The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a comfortable advantage. Marquette's 54-44 halftime lead was erased by Providence's 50-point second-half explosion, and the game headed to overtime tied at 94. In the extra period, the Golden Eagles outscored the Friars 11-10, with James Jr. scoring several crucial baskets to seal the win.
The upset has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. Marquette, now 7-13 on the season, picked up a much-needed Quad 3 win, which could be a crucial resume-booster come March. Providence, on the other hand, fell to 9-10 and suffered a Quad 3 loss, which could hurt their chances of earning an at-large bid. The Friars' net ranking of 90 will likely take a hit, while Marquette's ranking of 141 will certainly improve.
In the end, Marquette's upset win over Providence will be remembered as one of the most thrilling games of the season. The Golden Eagles' ability to outlast the Friars and emerge victorious is a reflection of their resilience and determination. As for Providence, they'll need to regroup and refocus if they hope to stay in the tournament conversation. For now, Marquette basks in the glory of a monumental upset, one that could be the spark that ignites a late-season surge. The win is a significant addition to Marquette's resume, and they'll look to build on this momentum as they navigate the rest of their schedule.