If Marquette hadn’t done so already, they sealed the deal for a spot in the NCAA Tournament with last night’s 67-61 win over 20th ranked West Virginia in the 2nd round of the Big East Tournament.

Darius Johnson-Odom scored 11 points, including a couple of big 3′s late to lift the Golden Eagles (20-13) into the Big East Quarterfinals against 14th ranked and 3rd seeded Louisville (23-8) tonight.

Marquette trailed 44-35 early in the second half before starting their comeback.  The Golden Eagles defense took over as well, holding West Virginia to 22% shooting in the second half.  It’s the second win over the Mountaineers

The Marquette Golden Eagles enter the Big East Tournament tonight coming off back to back losses to Cincinnati and Seton Hall. 

The Golden Eagles have gone from a virtual lock to earn its 6th straight trip to the NCAA Tournament berth to a team that may just need to win tonight to secure a spot in the NCAA Field.

AUDIO: Buzz Williams on what needs to happen to get in NCAA’s :20

A week ago, Marquette was sitting in a very favorable spot.  Now they’re on the bubble.  Not winning tonight could mean the Golden Eagles could find themselves being bumped out by a team or teams that pulls an upset in the conference tournaments. 

The Golden Eagles need to play better defense then they played the last two games and they have to keep Marshon Brooks (24 ppg) in check.

AUDIO: Buzz Williams on Providence’s Marshon Brooks :19

Marquette beat Providence the last time the two teams met, 86-62 on Feb. 27th at the Bradley Center.  In that game, the Golden Eagles held the Friars to just over 31% shooting from the field.

The Marquette Golden Eagles ran their Big East win streak to 3-straight games after blowing out Providence 86-62 on Sunday at the Bradley Center. 

Darius Johnson-Odom scored 17 points and Chris Otule added a career high 16 points in the win.  Jimmy Butler had 15 points and held the Friars Marshon Brooks to 17 points.  Brooks scored a Big East record 52 points in a 94-93 overtime loss to Notre Dame the last time out.

Marquette had a 40-27 halftime lead, then broke it open by hitting 10 of 13 shots to start the second half.

The Golden Eagles host Cincinnati on Senior Night at the Bradley Center on Wednesday.