Marquette University Athletics
Basketball Downs Savannah State, 79-41
11/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
MU/SSU Box Score | VU/AMU Box Score | Quotes | Notes
MILWAUKEE (November 21, 2003) ? Marquette (2-0) used balanced scoring and a solid defensive effort to defeat Savannah State (0-1), 79-41.
Leading the Golden Eagles were Scott Merritt (17 points), Travis Diener (14 points) and Joe Chapman (13 points). Marquette got offensive contributions from 10 of 14 players, including 31 points off the bench, led by Karon Bradley?s eight.
Defensively, the Golden Eagles kept the Tigers? offense stymied, holding them to 15.6 percent shooting in the first half (5-of-32). For the game, Savannah State shot 25.0 percent.
The Golden Eagles did not shoot exceptionally well (38.0 percent on 19-of-50), but with a school record 50 trips to the free throw line (35 made) Marquette was able to keep the Tigers from creeping back into the game.
Twenty-two Marquette points off of Tiger turnovers helped in the effort, and while Savannah State maintained a 45-42 rebounding edge. Despite 20 offensive rebounds, Marquette limited Savannah State to just six second chance points.
Marquette advances to the championship of the Pepsi Blue and Gold Classic, meeting Valparaiso at 8 p.m. on November 22. Savannah State plays Ark.-Monitcello in the consolation at 5:30 p.m.
Valparaiso advanced to the tourney final by defeating Ark.-Monticello, 72-53, in the tournament?s opening match. Dan Oppland led Valparaiso with 18 points. Kikas Gomes added 12 points and 15 boards for the Crusaders.
