There were a lot of questions about the Marquette men’s basketball team heading into its season opener against Albany on Nov. 3 at Fiserv Forum.
Not all of them were answered in an 80-53 victory by the Golden Eagles, but a few things became clear.
One certainty is that MU’s defense is going to be a pain to play against. On the offensive side … well, there’s still some ironing out to do.
The Golden Eagles have a bevy of athletic defenders to throw at ball-handlers. MU forced 23 turnovers, led by Chase Ross’ five steals. MU recorded 51 deflections, well above head coach Shaka Smart’s benchmark of 32. Smart also said that his team’s 13 kills – three straight defensive stops – were a program record.
“We want to create havoc,” said sophomore guard Zaide Lowery, who had two steals. “But being disciplined at the same time.
“We got a lot of guys that can guard. We got a lot of guys that can get their hands on the ball.”
Chase Ross looks ready for his star turn
After three seasons being a highly athletic complementary player, Ross will now be the top of every opponents’ scouting report as a senior.
Ross looked the part of a star with 15 points and five assists to go along with those five steals. The challenge is that he will be asked to provide that every game.
“We call that a First Cup Guy,” Smart said. “He’s in the first cup for us.
“He’s really matured. He wants it. He wants that role. He wants the responsibility that comes from it. He’s had games where he’s played that well to be considered that. But he’s not been consistent with that.
“And so now, we’re asking for consistency from him. And, first and foremost, the leadership that he brings to our team, the way he guides our guys culturally. Secondly, the focus that he brings on the defensive end. And, thirdly, the Swiss Army knife that he can be on the offensive end.”
Marquette struggles shooting the ball
On offense, the Golden Eagles are still a work in progress after losing top scorers Kam Jones, David Joplin and Stevie Mitchell from last season.
The Golden Eagles shot just 5 for 24 (21.8%) on 3-pointers. They also missed eight layups and a dunk and committed 14 turnovers.
The Great Danes, coached by former MU assistant Dwyane Killings, often deployed a 1-3-1 zone that slowed MU’s offensive attack.
“I like our outside shooters,” Smart said. “We didn’t shoot the ball great tonight, but we’re going to have some games where we shoot the ball really well.
“But when we don’t, we have to get on the glass. We had 15 offensive rebounds tonight, but they had even more (19).”
Sean Jones and Nigel James Jr. will hound ball-handlers
Five MU players had two or more steals, including guards Sean Jones and Nigel James Jr.
Jones, a 5-10 junior guard, made his return after being out nearly 22 months rehabbing a devastating knee injury. He played at warp speed, handing out four assists but also turning the ball over four times.
“I kind of told him ‘Don’t worry about no mistakes, stay level,'” Lowery said. “He did just that, I feel like.
“He didn’t let anything bother him tonight. He was just going out there and playing freely. I’m going to keep reminding him. This is his first game in a while. The work that he’s put in in practice is showing.”
James is a freshman guard who looks ready to contribute. He had 11 deflections to go along with his three steals.
“It was exciting,” James said. “This is my first time playing in a big arena like this.
“I never got to come to a Marquette game as a recruit when I was in high school. I always tried to get up here, but it was always hard. It was great being out there with my guys.
“Being able to play against somebody else instead of being at practice. And just that connective chip that we have all together. I love playing with these guys. I love all of them to death. I’m ready to just keep going with the season.”
The only issue for James was a wicked case of cramps that locked up his leg in the second half. He pumped fluids into his body and rode the stationary bike before returning to the game.
James said he will be ready for MU’s next game, which comes against Southern on a quick turnaround Nov. 5 at Fiserv Forum.
Marquette starting lineup
Guards: Sean Jones, Chase Ross, Zaide Lowery
Forwards: Ben Gold, Caedin Hamilton
Prediction for Marquette-Albany
Season openers can be rough. There are usually lots of fouls and missed shots. There are a lot of questions about the Golden Eagles, but they should have enough to win this one easily.
Predicted score: MU 79, Albany 55
How to watch Marquette-Albany
Stream: You can stream the game on ESPN+, which requires a subscription.
Announcers: Jeff Levering (play-by-play) and Tre Demps (analysis) will be on the call.
Marquette-Albany odds
The Golden Eagles are 24.5-point favorites and the over-under is at 149.5, per BetMGM.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Chase Ross and a disruptive defense help Marquette roll over Albany in season opener
Reporting by Ben Steele, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
