Marquette University Athletics
Men's Basketball Hosts Pittsburgh on Saturday
2/17/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 17, 2006
MILWAUKEE -
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A win over no. 17 Georgetown on Thursday night gave Marquette bolstered the Golden Eagles' case as an NCAA Tournament team. MU will have another opportunity on Saturday, February 18 as it takes on no. 9 Pittsburgh at the Bradley Center.
The six point win over Georgetown improved Marquette's record against nationally ranked teams to 2-3, and more importantly, built its confidence as it heads into the final few games of the season.
"We felt confident coming back home," said freshman guard Dominic James. "We took care of one last night and we're looking forward to another good game at home."
Marquette lost to Pittsburgh earlier in the season in what was considered a physical game. James had his shoulder injured in that contest but said revenge wasn't a motivating factor heading into this contest.
"We just have to play our game," James said. "They've been doing well. We just have to come in, play focused and have the poise that we played with last night."
Should MU pick up a victory, it would bolster their standing heading into the crucial last few games before conference tournament time.
"I think we're both NCAA type teams," senior forward Steve Novak said. "We can't control what others think about us, but if you can beat a team like Pittsburgh, it definitely helps your resume."
Pittsburgh is 3-2 since its six point win in January and is coming off a win at Providence 85-77 on Wednesday.
Center Aaron Gray scored 22 points against Providence. It was his sixth 20-plus point contest of the year and 19th double figure scoring game on the season. Gray was 9-for-9 from the floor
Facing the Panthers a second time, Marquette knows what to expect. Led by 10.4 rebounds per game from Gray, Pittsburgh can be deadly on the glass, especially the offensive end. Gray had 20 rebounds against Marquette last time and led the Panthers to 19 offensive boards.
Guard play was impressive last time for Pittsburgh. Leading scorer Carl Krauser had 16 points, dead on with his 15.9 per game average, but reserve Antonio Graves came up big off the bench leading the team with 19 points. Graves averages 3.9 points per game.
Krauser has a balanced game from his point guard spot. He is the only player in Pittsburgh men's basketball history to score over 1,500 points and dish out over 500 assists in a career.
"They are a really solid team," head coach Tom Crean said. "They pass well. They rebound well. The guards set screens as well as anyone."
I'ts not just Gray's rebounding ability that concerns Crean.
"Aaron Gray is as good of a big man passer as their is," Crean said. "He never panics. We have to do a great job of weak side defense and staying with our man."
The game is the second to last home game for Marquette this season. The Golden Eagles conclude their regular season at home, hosting Providence on Saturday, March 4 at the Bradley Center.
