True Warriors

As the healing process continues from my purple and gold wounds, it’s still hard for me to watch or listen to anything sporting-event related. However, I found myself watching the Marquette-UConn game earlier today. Having given into temptation shortly into the second half, I knew I was only readying myself for another heart-breaking defeat. MU was hanging with the mighty Huskies, who recently whomped then-No. 1 Texas. Chances were the undersized Warriors would fall in yet another close contest with a ranked opponent.

Marquette is 2-4 versus ranked Big East opponents this season, yeeouch. The kicker in those games was that – aside from the contest at Syracuse – MU lost by a combined total of 6 points in 4 contests. They should have won each of those games; missed free throws in the waning seconds doomed them each time.

The reason they were so close in those games is the underrated defense, energy and chemistry this team has built. Buzz Williams has done quite a job keeping the team focused and ready to play after that other guy up and left. ‘Nova’s an explosive team; Marquette gave up 74 and 78 points to the Wildcats in each of their matchups. In their other Big East contests, MU held Georgetown, West Virginia, DePaul and UConn to an average of 60 points. (Oh, by the way, Marquette beat that Georgetown team who today creamed No. 7 Duke)

OK, back to the game. There I sat, braced for that sinking feeling, when I see David Cubillan, in a low defensive stance at the top of the key, clapping enthusiastically, psyching himself up and daring his man to beat him. Now MU had just missed a field goal and the game was tied. . .2 minutes and change left and Coob was fired up and glued on his man. I like what I see.

The D clamped down on the Huskies to end the game and give MU a much-needed Big East win. That Jimmy Butler guy? Yeah, he’s alright, too.

The 2009-2010 version of the Marquette Golden Eagles brings energy and defense to the floor every time. The home stretch should (should being the operative word) be friendly to them after a tough start and give the Golden Eagles a chance to build some serious MO come tourney time.

Disaster averted this day. Feels good to savor victory again.