Dawson Garcia
The Marquette Golden Eagles continue to point to defense, or the lack there of it, for their latest setback.
Xavier hit 18 of 26 (69.2%) in the second half, including 7 of 10 from three point range to pull out a 91-88 buzzer beating win over the Golden Eagles on Sunday. The Xavier improved to 8-0 overall, 1-0 in the Big East with the win.
Marquette (5-4, 1-2 Big East) got a four-point play with 25 seconds left and it looked like the game was headed for overtime, but the Golden Eagles couldn’t get a rebound and the Musketeers Adam Kunkel drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer to win it.
The Golden Eagles have now lost back-to-back Big East games after opening league play with a win at then, No. 9 Creighton on Monday.
Marquette didn’t have an answer for Xavier guard Paul Scruggs, who scored 29 points on 11 of 19 shooting. He hit 5 of 8 three-pointers.
Dawson Garcia and Koby McEwen had 20 points each to lead the Golden Eagles, who shot 55.2% (32-58) from the field for the game. Marquette made 8 of 18 (44.4%) from three point range and 16-17 (94.1%) from the free throw line.
The Golden Eagles return home to host Villanova on Wednesday at Fiserv Forum.