Shaka Smart imagines Giannis Antetokounmpo actually playing at Marquette
The Bucks superstar took to social media to wonder about his NCAA eligibility and if he could play at Marquette.
The Marquette men’s basketball team looks to shake off an ugly performance against Indiana when the Golden Eagles (2-1) take on Little Rock (1-1) on Nov. 12 at Fiserv Forum.
Don’t know much about the Trojans of the Ohio Valley Conference? They just lost to UW-Milwaukee, 92-72, on Nov. 10.
MU has a lot to figure out.
Head coach Shaka Smart has been playing all 12 available players, but ahead of a key matchup with Maryland on Nov. 15, he might want to tighten the rotation to help his team establish a rhythm. Smart will definitely be looking to see more defensive disruption after allowing the Hoosiers to score 100 points at the United Center in Chicago.
It will also be interesting to watch if Smart plays Nigel James Jr. more after an impressive start to the season for the freshman guard.
Follow along for live updates from Fiserv Forum:
Chase Ross and Nigel James Jr. lead Marquette at halftime
Chase Ross and Nigel James Jr. combined for half of MU’s points as the Golden Eagles head into the locker room with a 46-29 lead.
Ross had 12 points and four assists, while James added 11 on 5-for-6 shooting.
Nigel James Jr. helps respond after falling behind
Little Rock took some air out of Fiserv Forum by taking a 20-14 lead after a 10-0 run in the first half.
MU hit back with 12 unanswered points of their own in which Nigel James Jr. hit a 3-pointer and a fast-break layup after a steal.
Nigel James Jr. and Royce Parham trying to spark team
Offense has been a bit of a struggle for MU in the early going, committing four turnovers as the Golden Eagles held a 14-12 lead at the 11:46 mark of the first half.
Freshman guard Nigel James Jr., making his first start at MU, has been aggressive with six points. A positive for MU has been sophomore forward Royce Parham off the bench, who has four points.
Sean Jones is out for game with injury
MU junior Sean Jones, who started as point guard for the first three games, will sit out against Little Rock with a right shoulder injury.
The school said Jones will be evaluated again later in the week.
Jones’ injury likely will give freshman guard Nigel James Jr. his first start of the season.
Marquette’s probable starters
Guards: Nigel James Jr., Chase Ross, Zaide Lowery
Forwards: Ben Gold, Caedin Hamilton
Marquette-Little Rock prediction
This is the definition of a “get right” game for MU. After getting schooled by Indiana, the Golden Eagles should know they are not good enough to overlook any opponent. Look for crisper defense and a more patient offense from the Golden Eagles.
Predicted score: MU 84, Little Rock 65
How to watch Marquette-Little Rock
- TV: None
- Stream: You can stream the game on ESPN+, which requires a subscription.
- Date: Wednesday, Nov. 12
- Time: 7 p.m. CT
- Announcers: Josh Maurer (play-by-play) and Brian Butch (analyst) will call the action.
Marquette vs Little Rock odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Nov. 12
- Spread: Marquette (-20.5)
- Over/under: 157.5
- Moneyline: Marquette -5000, Little Rock +1400
Next five games for Marquette men’s basketball team
- Nov. 15: Maryland, 1 p.m.
- Nov. 19: Dayton, 6:30 p.m.
- Nov. 22: Central Michigan, 1 p.m.
- Nov. 28: vs. Oklahoma in Chicago, 1 p.m.
- Dec. 2: Valparaiso, 7 p.m. (ESPN+ streaming)
See the complete schedule here.
