Marquette looks to build off first Big East victory vs. Villanova

Field Level Media|published: Fri 9th January, 20:51 2026

Marquette guard Nigel James Jr. (0) makes a fast break after a steal during the first half of their game against the Xavier Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

After the "joy" of its first Big East victory, Marquette returns to action against Villanova Saturday in Milwaukee, Wisc.

The Golden Eagles (6-10, 1-4 Big East) ended a six-game losing streak with a 66-65 win over Xavier on Wednesday. Marquette led by 13 in the second half and outscored the Musketeers 38-14 in the paint, but still had to hold on as a last-second Xavier shot went off target.

"It's just a lot of joy," said Marquette sophomore Royce Parham, who had 14 points in the win. "We haven't won in like a month or so. It was great to get one under our belt. We know that all these games are close and we know we can win all these games."

On the flip side of that emotion is Villanova (12-3, 3-1). The Wildcats' five-game win streak was snapped by a Creighton team which shot 66.7% from the floor in the second half on Wednesday.

Villanova coach Ralph Willard called his team's defense ‘abysmal' after the game.

"It was nothing to do with offense," Willard said. "It was totally just abysmal defense."

"We've got to get better," agreed Villanova guard Tyler Perkins. "We've got to clean it up and see what we did wrong - too many offensive rebounds - work on our defense and then just get better. We gave up too many easy points."

The 76 points scored by Creighton were the most Villanova has allowed in Big East play.

Villanova is allowing 67.5 points a game. Bryce Lindsay leads the Wildcats with 16.0 points a game and is the Big East's top 3-point shooter, making them at a 43.4% clip.

Wildcats 6-10 senior Duke Brennan is second in the Big East in rebounds, pulling down 11.4 a game.

Marquette senior guard Chase Ross leads the Golden Eagles with 16.0 points, and freshman Nigel James has scored in double figures in his last five contests.

"Obviously we need to have Chase, (Nigel), Royce, Ben (Gold) when he's playing well. They give us our best chance. I think Adrien (Stevens) is emerging with his confidence," said Marquette coach Shaka Smart. "Right now, that's our best five. That's who started the game tonight. That's who will likely start the game on Saturday."

--Field Level Media