Jones, Marquette, cruise to win in home opener
MILWAUKEE — With the largest home opener in 20 years behind them, the Golden Eagles (1–0) started their quest to repeat as Big East champs. The team also raised their Big East Regular Season and Tournament banner before the contest began, cementing the legacy of a remarkable team in the rafters.
Junior Kam Jones led the way with 20 points, shooting 6–9, and 3–5 from deep. He began the game with 9 of Marquettes’ first 11 points, including 3/3 from beyond the arch.
Defending Big East POY Tyler Kolek also had a stellar game. Kolek scored 14 points on 12 shots, adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Koley is arguably the best passer in all of college basketball, look for him to lead Marquette in assists this season.
Chase Ross provided Marquette with 12 bench points, and his career high. Ross shot 7–8 overall, and perfect from 3.
David Coit led the Huskies (0–1) with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist. The main problem for NIU in Milwaukee Monday: shots didn’t fall. NIU had a 37.1 FG% and only shot 26.9% from deep. The Golden Eagles shot over 50% from the field, and above 30% from deep.
A Look Ahead
Marquette: vs. Ryder on 11/10; @ 25. Illinois on 11/14
Northern Illinois: vs. App State on 11/11; vs. Illinois Tech on 11/13
Marquette has a good chance to jump in the polls next week if they successfully take down Ryder. Michigan State lost at home to James Maddison, and they’re ranked right above Marquette, at number 4 in the polls.
