No. 14/12 #MUBB Holds Off Villanova, 73-64

MILWAUKEE – The Marquette University men's basketball team (18-5, 10-2 BIG EAST) held off Villanova (10-12, 4-7 BIG EAST) 73-64 Wednesday evening at Fiserv Forum.

The Golden Eagles were fueled by the guard play of Tyler Kolek and Kam Jones. Kolek packed the box score with 20 points, 6 assists, 5 boards and 3 steals. Jones added another 18 points on 46% shooting from the field.

MU found its first lead of the contest just under the 13-minute mark of the second half. The BIG EAST foes exchanged blows throughout the remainder of the game. Marquette pulled away down the stretch, going on a 16-3 run in the final six minutes of play.

Villanova never trailed in the first half and took a 35-34 advantage into the break. The Wildcats were paced by their 3-point shooting, going 7-12 from behind the arc. The Golden Eagles were able to keep pace with seven made threes of their own on 16 attempts. Jones drained a buzzer-beater from half-court to bring MU within one going into the intermission.

Notables:

MU has swept Villanova for a second consecutive season and is 4-1 in the last five meetings
At home, Marquette is now 9-8 all-time against Villanova
Marquette is now 5-3 when trailing at the half this season
The Golden Eagles forced 19 total turnovers
Oso Ighodaro scored 10 points, going 4-7 from the field
Kolek has scored 20 or more points in back-to-back games and for the fourth time this season
Jones has now scored in double figures in 20 games this season

UP NEXT:
The Golden Eagles will host the Butler Bulldogs for National Marquette Day on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. CT at the Fiserv Forum.

Keep up with the Marquette men's basketball program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteMBB) and Instagram (@marquette.basketball) and 'liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteMensBB). Fans interested in tickets can contact the Marquette Ticket Office online or at 414-288-GOMU (4668).