Photo via zimbio.com
After slogging through its Friday home opener, Marquette had little trouble against Grambling State Tuesday night.
Eight Golden Eagles scored in double-digits in the 114-71 victory, as the team amassed its highest point total since 1969.
“I thought our concentration level was as good as it’s been in a long time in November for any team that we’ve had,” coach Buzz Williams said.
Marquette (2-0) scored more points in the paint (76) than the Tigers (0-2) scored overall and outrebounded Grambling State 56-41.
Junior forward Steve Taylor Jr. recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while redshirt senior center Chris Otule led Marquette with 17 points including two thunderous second-half dunks.
Freshman forward Deonte Burton said he felt “much more comfortable” in his second game as a Golden Eagle and it showed on the floor.
Burton contributed in several facets of the game scoring 10 points, grabbing five rebounds, notching two steals and electrifying the crowd with a beautiful alley-oop dunk off a nice feed from junior guard Derrick Wilson.
Despite the dominating performance under the basket, senior guard Jake Thomas and freshman guard JaJuan Johnson had breakout showings. Thomas connected on three three-pointers, while Johnson scored 12 second-half points, including a three of his own.
Derrick Wilson, junior guard Todd Mayo and freshman guard John Dawson got the transition game going as the Golden Eagles scored 41 points off the fast break. Wilson was the only Marquette player not to score, but dished 10 assists while only turning the ball over once. Dawson and Mayo combined for another 10 assists adding to the team’s grand total of 33.
“I thought our assisted baskets (total) was as good as it’s been in a long time,” Williams said. “I thought we did a much better job tonight, and I understand there were many more possessions, but even having said that, our turnover rate was way better.”
Even fan favorite walk-on Dylan Flood got in on the fun, grabbing a rebound and scoring a contested lay-up as the final seconds ticked away.
Marquette faces a substantially greater challenge Saturday, as it welcomes the 10th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes to the Bradley Center for its first big test of the young season.