The Marquette women’s basketball team is poised to face its toughest challenge of the season as they welcome the undefeated No. 1 ranked UConn to the Al McGuire Center on Saturday. This matchup marks only the third occasion where the Golden Eagles will host the top team in the nation. Fans can catch the action starting at noon CT, with coverage available on FS1.
After a commendable five-game winning streak, Marquette recently faced setbacks, dropping their last two outings against Creighton and Seton Hall. In both contests, the Golden Eagles lost narrow halftime leads, contrasting their earlier success as they boasted a 12-2 record when ahead at the half.
A standout for Marquette, Skylar Forbes has surged recently, breaking out of her scoring lull by registering 22 and 21 points in her last two games, earning her a spot on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll on February 8. She added 17 points against Seton Hall, bringing her total to 60 points over the past three games, surpassing her scoring in the previous six combined. Currently just four points shy of reaching 1,000 career points, Forbes could be the second player on the team to achieve this milestone, following Jaidynn Mason, who reached 1,000 points on January 21 at St. John’s.
Halle Vice has also made significant contributions to the team, leading the BIG EAST with 10 double-doubles this season. Her impressive scoring efficiency, with a field goal percentage of 57.2%, ranks her 22nd in the NCAA. Although she began the season with only three double-doubles in the first month, her performance has dramatically improved, solidifying her presence as a key player.
As the season progresses, Marquette’s experience and cohesion are noteworthy, being the only Division I women’s basketball program to retain all its players from the previous season. However, challenges remain as they have struggled with injuries, limiting their roster availability this season.
In terms of statistics, Marquette contends with notable numbers: they are now 4-8 when outrebounded by opponents, and they’ve not lost three consecutive games in over two seasons, the last occurrence being a series of losses in late December 2022 against Colorado, Villanova, and UConn.
The historical rivalry between Marquette and UConn is significant, with the Huskies leading the series 23-1. Marquette’s only victory over UConn came last season, showcasing their potential ability to compete despite previous challenges.
The upcoming game against UConn offers Marquette an opportunity to redefine their season. With their experienced players stepping up and the home court advantage playing a crucial role—Marquette boasts a strong 9-3 record at home this season—the Golden Eagles have the potential to pull off an upset against the top team in the country.
Marquette’s journey this season reflects resilience and the spirit of competition, highlighting the exciting nature of women’s basketball as they strive to leave a mark against formidable opponents.