Marquette flies under radar and claims share of Big East Crown

Story posted March 13, 2013 in CommRadio, Sports by Mike Esse

After losing the core pieces of last year’s Sweet 16 team including Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder, not many people expected much from Buzz Williams and the Marquette Golden Eagles in 2012-13.

Even after a good non-conference showing and a 7-2 start to the Big East, Marquette was still supposed to collapse and not be a force to be reckoned with in the conference.

On March 9, Vander Blue and Junior Cadougan had a chance to etch their names into Golden Eagle basketball history with a win over St. John’s that would clinch a share of the conference title.

Marquette went out to a big lead, then the Johnnie’s came storming right back to the point where some, once again, were writing off the chances at a conference title for Williams and his team. Blue, the player that along side Cadougan has led this team all year long, took care of that with a runner off the glass at the buzzer to seal the deal.

Exactly what people outside of Marquette didn’t expect, but exactly what the coaches, players and fans at Marquette expected. The Golden Eagles got it done by finishing with a 23-7 overall record and a 14-4 conference record and clinched a share of the last Big East (as we know it) regular season title.

The Golden Eagles sit as the three seed in the conference tournament and hold a double bye.

Because of all of this, Williams seemed to be a lock for coach of the year, but just as most of the regular season, Marquette and this time Williams, was passed over and John Thompson III was selected as coach of the year. 

To talk about these storylines and Marquette moving to the new Big East, we talked with Jim McIlvaine, color commentator for Marquette Radio and former Golden Eagle basketball player.

Tune in to ComRadio's Selection Sunday show on Sunday March 17 from 2 to 9 p.m. Leading up to Sunday, check out all of our interview's with media members and coaches from prospective NCAA tournament teams here.

Mike Esse is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism and a ComRadio Sports Director. To contact him, email mje5164@psu.edu.