Big East Champions For Shaka Smart
By Andrew Rosario
They saved their best for last. The Marquette Golden Eagles did not play like the #1 seed coming into the 2023 Big East tournament. Afforded a bye in the first round, Marquette was pushed to overtime against St. John’s. The Golden Eagles escaped with a 2-point win against a feisty De Paul team who stunned Seton Hall. When they faced the #2 seed Xavier last Saturday night Marquette knew they had to get off to a good start. Both teams split their regular season games. This time, Marquette dominated from start to finish in the 65-51 victory. Big East player of the Year guard Tyler Kolek scored 20 points as the Golden Eagles jumped out to a 21-4 lead and never looked back.
Marquette is a special place that has had a special program for a long, long time,” said head coach Shaka Smart. “We’re so proud to bring a championship back to Milwaukee. In winning the Big East, the Golden Eagles were selected as the #2 seed in the NCAA East Region and will face #15 Vermont Friday in Columbus, Ohio.
Despite the loss, Xavier was selected the #3 seed in the Midwest Region and take on #14 Kennesaw State Friday in Greensboro, NC.
Both teams will look to go far in the tournament as Marquette enters March Madness with a 9-game winning streak.
