WBB Defeats DePaul 105-85 in BIG EAST Quarterfinal

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The Marquette women's basketball team (21-9, 13-7 BIG EAST) earned a win in the quarterfinal round of the BIG EAST Tournament, defeating DePaul 105-85 Saturday afternoon at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The Golden Eagles posted a dominant offensive performance with a season-high 105 points. MU knocked down a season-best 65.7 percent (44-of-67) of its shots from the floor. All five Marquette starters scored in double-figures, while sophomore forward Liza Karlen went for a career-high 26 points, tying the highest scoring output by a MU player this season.

"We're overall completely thrilled about our effort and performance this afternoon," said Marquette head coach Megan Duffy. "I couldn't be more proud of the collective effort of the Marquette team, how we fought, the way we scored the basketball. We were relentless on the glass. It was just a fun March atmosphere for our team today."

With the win, Marquette secured a spot in its sixth-straight BIG EAST Semifinal appearance. The Golden Eagles will face No. 7 UConn tomorrow, March 6, at 2 p.m. (CT).

MU came out firing for 54 first-half points and never cooled down. The Golden Eagles led for 35:45 of action, going up by as many as 23 points.

Joining Karlen with 20-plus points were junior guard Jordan King and graduate forward Lauren Van Kleunen, who went for 21 and 20 points, respectively.

On the glass, Marquette held a 49-17 rebounding advantage while four different players brought five or more boards, led by Karlen's 14.

DePaul (22-10, 14-6 BIG EAST) was led by Aneesah Morrow, who finished with 29 points.

This was Marquette's 10th-highest scoring output of all-time, and highest since going for 109 against Seton Hall Feb. 17, 2019.
The last time MU had three scorers with at least 20 points was January 20, 2019 against St. John's.
Marquette finished the game shooting 65.7 percent (44-of-67) from the floor, 40.0 percent (4-of-10) from 3-point range and 81.3 percent (13-of-16) from the free throw line.
Marquette's 44 made field goals were just one shy of tying a program record.
With the win, Marquette advances to its sixth-straight BIG EAST semifinal appearance. It has won and advanced to the title game in each of the previous five.
Jordan King's 21 points were her most this season, and tied a career high.
This was Liza Karlen's sixth-career double-double.
Lauren Van Kleunen moved up a spot on Marquette's all-time career rebounding list, passing Allazia Blockton (2015-19). She now ranks ninth with 772 career boards.
Marquette won the rebounding battle 49-17. It has now outrebounded opponents in 25 of 30 contests this season.
All five starters scored in double-figures for Marquette, the third time this season MU has had five or more players with 10-plus points.
Chloe Marotta fouled out of the contest with 3:37 remaining in the fourth quarter.
97 of Marquette's 105 points were scored by its starting unit.
With the win, Marquette is now 32-49 all-time against DePaul.
Win the win, Marquette wins the season series vs DePaul after splitting games in the regular season.

UP NEXT: Marquette will travel to Uncasville, Connecticut, for the BIG EAST Tournament which will take place March 4-7 at Mohegan Sun Arena. It will face 4-seed DePaul in the quarterfinal round on Friday, March 5, at 1:30 p.m. (CT).

Keep up with the Marquette women's basketball program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteWBB) and Instagram (@marquettewbb) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteWBB).