Marquette wins in Maui

I prefer watching Wisconsin play simply because I have seen more of their players in college but, I also enjoy watching interstate rival Marquette play whenever I can get the chance. I don't see as many Marquette games because Marquette is obviously not on the Big Ten Network like all of Wisconsin's lower markee games are.

Marquette really got a big win tonight beating a fairly good Oklahoma State team by 30 points. I wasn't sure if Marquette warranted the preseason ranking that they got but, after this game I firmly believe that they are a top 15 team. You can't find a better top 5 guards in the country then in Marquette's Dominic James, Wes Mathews, Jerel Mcneal, David Cubillan, and Maurice Acker.

Marquette, like last year, will once again be perimeter oriented team that will rely heavily on the penetration and dish and playing good defense and forcing turnovers which related to easy baskets. Both of these things were very evident in tonight's game. Anyone of the five guards previously mentioned were able to get into the lane and dish to wide open teammates and played very strong aggressive defense that led to many OK State turnovers which allowed the Golder Eagles to get out and run for some easy buckets.

Dominic James was just as impressive as last year. One thing I did notice though he was able to knock down the outside shots, which has always been a knock on James. If James can continue to knock down those outside shots I really believe that Marquette can win the Big East and will make a big run tournament time and will also make himself a lottery pick next year, which means he won't be around for his senior year.

Jerel McNeal was probably just as impressive as James in this game. As everyone knows McNeal goes to the hoop as hard as anyone and he was doing just that tonight. He took some wild shots but, that's something that I can live with because if he keeps himself under control when driving no one can stop him. McNeal also displayed the ability to knock down some outside shots. He hit at least one three point shot and pulled up for a couple mid range jumpers. It will be huge if these two guys continue to shoot it well because that has always been one of the weak spots for this perimeter oriented team.

One guy that I did follow in high school is Wes Mathews or Wesley as he seems to prefer now, so I really watch what he is doing. I would really like to see Mathews be more aggressive on the offensive end but, if McNeal and James continue to play like they have been he really doesn't need to, also his foul trouble has also limited his minutes. When Mathews was in the game I can only recall one time where he really looked to score, where he penetrated and pulled up for the mid range jumper which he dropped. Mathews did play some pretty good defense hustling for loose balls and getting his hands in on everything.

A guy that may not of been that impressive tonight but, I really do like is Lazar Hayward. He's only 6'6 but, really goes inside and battles and may be their best rebounder on the team. Hayward is also a hustle player giving it all going after loose balls and getting out and running on fast breaks. I expect him to continue to improve this year and next year he will probably have his breakout year. He may never be a big scorer but, he will be significant to this teams success in the next two seasons.

Marquette plays the winner of Illinois and Duke, which either one should really be a great game. Both teams have very good big man with Brian Randle and Shaun Pruitt for the Illini and Kyle Singler and Lance Thomas. The Golden Eagles should be able to beat the Illini because their guards are so much better but, Duke is probably just as good as Marquette at the guard position and better in the post so I will take Duke over Marquette if that match up occurs.

If I had to choose I'd take Duke over Illinois and then beating Marquette with Demarcus Nelson taking the MVP. I was going to say Singler but, right now against Illinois he is really struggling while Nelson continues to be able to get into the lane and finish with some monster dunks. If Marquette wins its a toss up for MVP between James and McNeal. If Illinois wins it will easily be Randle who is Mr. Everything for Illinois right now.

On side note tonight is the start of the high school season. Unfortunately there are not any good games in my area, so my season will start Friday night when I will head down to Madison to watch Madison Lafollette play Milwaukee Bay View, which should really be a fun fast paced game to watch.