#MUBB Makes First Trip To UCLA Friday Night

The Marquette University men's basketball team (4-1, 0-0 BIG EAST) hits the road for the first time in 2020-21 when the squad travels to UCLA for a non-conference matchup on Friday, Dec. 11 at 8:30 p.m. CT from Pauley Pavilion. The Pac-12 Network features the television broadcast, with Ted Robinson (play-by-play) and Bill Walton (analyst) calling the action. Following Friday's outing, the Golden Eagles will remain on the road and head straight to Omaha for the team's BIG EAST lidlifter at nationally ranked Creighton on Dec. 14.

MU Heading To UCLA For First Time

With the impressive tradition in men's basketball at both Marquette and UCLA, including postseason success, it's hard to believe the two programs have met on just two occasions in the all-time series.

Both of the matchups have come in Milwaukee, so Friday's outing will mark the Golden Eagles' first trip to Los Angeles. The Bruins own the 2-0 series advantage, earning a 68-52 win on Dec. 31, 1949 in the first meeting.

The most recent contest came on Dec 18, 1964 and resulted in a 61-52 win by No. 5 UCLA. The game was part of the Milwaukee Classic under first-year head coach Al McGuire and one night later, MU would defeat Wisconsin 62-61 to finish the tournament.

Defensive Focus Shows Early Dividends

The Marquette coaching staff focused on the defensive end of the court in the shortened preseason and early in 2020-201 those efforts are paying dividends for the Golden Eagles.

Through games of Dec. 9, Marquette ranks among the BIG EAST leaders in several defensive categories including scoring defense (1st, 62.0 ppg.), field goal percentage defense (1st, .343 -14th in nation), 3-point field goal percentage defense (1st, .265) and defensive rebounds (3rd, 31.0 drpg.).

Marquette is also third in the conference in blocks per game (5.0).

McEwen Carries Offense In Latest Victory

Senior guard Koby McEwen posted one of his top performances as a Golden Eagle in Tuesday night's victory, scoring a game-high 28 points in the win over Green Bay.

The Toronto, Canada, native finished 10-of-16 from the floor overall and 5-of-9 from long distance and also chipped in four assists (zero turnovers) and three rebounds in 37 minutes of action. He had a personal scoring run of 10-straight points in the second half, turning a four-point advantage into a 62-52 lead with 10 minutes remaining.

McEwen's collegiate single-game scoring is 32 points, which he posted Feb. 17, 2018 against Nevada while at Utah State.

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Players Mentioned

Koby McEwen