The matchup between Marquette and St. John’s has been a staple of college basketball in the Big East Conference for many years. These two programs, both rich in history and tradition, provide fans with some of the most exciting, high-paced games in the league. The rivalry between the Golden Eagles and the Red Storm is one marked by intense competition, passionate fan bases, and thrilling on-court drama.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the history of Marquette vs. St. John’s rivalry, their recent performances, notable players, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions from basketball enthusiasts across platforms like YouTube and Google.
History of the Marquette vs. St. John’s Rivalry
The rivalry between Marquette and St. John’s dates back to the 1950s when both teams were establishing themselves as prominent programs in the college basketball world. However, it was in the 1970s and 1980s when the rivalry truly began to heat up. Marquette, led by head coach Al McGuire, found success in the NCAA Tournament, while St. John’s, under the leadership of Lou Carnesecca, became a formidable force in the Big East. Their matchups during these decades featured some of the best college basketball had to offer, and they quickly developed a reputation for hard-fought games filled with high stakes.
By the time the Big East Conference was officially formed in 1979, Marquette and St. John’s were already established programs within the league, and their games became even more critical in terms of standings and postseason implications. These early contests set the stage for one of the most exciting rivalries in the Big East, a rivalry fueled by strong coaching, talented players, and an ever-growing fanbase.
The 2000s and Beyond: A Renewed Rivalry
As the new millennium approached, both programs experienced periods of success and challenges. St. John’s, led by coach Mike Jarvis, had notable seasons in the early 2000s, while Marquette enjoyed a resurgence under Tom Crean, including a Final Four appearance in 2003. The two teams, while not always ranked in the top 10, consistently battled for positioning in the competitive Big East standings.
The rivalry truly gained new life when both teams were contenders in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Under the guidance of coaches like Steve Wojciechowski at Marquette and Mike Anderson at St. John’s, both schools had their moments of glory, and their contests on the court became even more intense. The matchup would often have serious NCAA Tournament implications, especially as both schools competed for a chance to qualify for March Madness.
Recent Performances and Notable Games
In recent seasons, Marquette has enjoyed significant success under head coach Shaka Smart, who took over in 2021. Smart’s dynamic style of play, which emphasizes aggressive defense and fast-paced offense, has brought new energy to the Golden Eagles. Marquette’s rise to the top of the Big East has been one of the more exciting stories in college basketball, as the team has transformed into a contender capable of competing with the conference’s elite programs.
Marquette’s success has been built on a strong group of players, including key contributors like Tyler Kolek, who has been one of the best point guards in the Big East, and Oso Ighodaro, a versatile big man with both defensive and offensive prowess. These players, along with the coaching of Shaka Smart, have helped Marquette challenge some of the top teams in the country. Their rivalry games against St. John’s have often been crucial in determining the top spots in the Big East standings, making them not only emotionally charged but also highly competitive.
St. John’s Resilience: Overcoming Challenges
St. John’s, led by coach Mike Anderson, has faced its own set of challenges in recent years. While the Red Storm have had their fair share of ups and downs, they remain a dangerous team within the Big East. Known for their uptempo, pressing style of play, St. John’s can be a nightmare for teams that aren’t prepared for their full-court pressure.
The Red Storm have boasted several standout players in recent seasons, including Julian Champagnie, a dynamic scorer and rebounder who has been the centerpiece of the team’s offense. St. John’s is a team that can put up big numbers in a hurry, and when they’re firing on all cylinders, they can challenge even the best teams in the country. However, consistency has been an issue at times, and the team has struggled to maintain a high level of play throughout the entire season.
Still, when Marquette and St. John’s face off, it’s never just another game. Both teams know the importance of a rivalry win, especially in a league like the Big East, where every victory can mean the difference between an NCAA Tournament bid or being left out in the cold.
Key Moments and Memorable Games
The Marquette vs. St. John’s rivalry has produced numerous memorable moments over the years. From buzzer-beaters to dramatic comebacks, these teams have given fans plenty of reasons to tune in.
2019 Marquette vs. St. John’s: One of the most thrilling matchups came in 2019 when Marquette, led by All-American guard Markus Howard, faced off against St. John’s in a back-and-forth contest that saw multiple lead changes. Howard’s late-game heroics helped Marquette escape with a win, but St. John’s gave them a run for their money, proving just how fierce the rivalry could get.
2022 Big East Tournament: The 2022 Big East Tournament featured an intense showdown between Marquette and St. John’s, with both teams desperately needing the win to bolster their postseason resumes. The game was full of high-intensity moments, with both teams playing at an up-tempo pace. Ultimately, Marquette’s defense and balanced scoring helped them secure the victory, sending them deeper into the tournament.
2023 Regular Season Matchups: The 2023 season saw another round of classic Marquette-St. John’s games. Marquette, playing with high confidence and skill, faced off against a St. John’s team hungry for redemption. The games were close throughout, but Marquette’s depth and discipline under Shaka Smart proved to be the difference, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the Big East.
Marquette: Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro
Tyler Kolek is Marquette’s floor general and has emerged as one of the top point guards in the Big East. His ability to facilitate the offense, make plays for his teammates, and hit clutch shots in crunch time has made him a pivotal figure in Marquette’s success. Kolek’s poise under pressure and his ability to read the game make him a nightmare for opposing defenses, especially in high-stakes games against rivals like St. John’s.
Oso Ighodaro is another key player for Marquette. The 6’9” forward provides excellent defense in the paint, rebounds with authority, and has the versatility to score inside and out. His presence on both ends of the floor makes him an integral part of Marquette’s lineup, and his battle against St. John’s big men will be crucial in determining the outcome of their rivalry games.
St. John’s: Posh Alexander and Andre Curbelo
Posh Alexander is the heart and soul of St. John’s. The 6’0” guard is known for his tenacious defense and his ability to score in transition. His speed and agility allow him to disrupt opposing offenses, and he’s a key player in St. John’s uptempo style. Alexander’s defensive prowess will be on full display in the Marquette matchup, as he’ll likely be tasked with guarding Tyler Kolek, Marquette’s floor general.
Andre Curbelo, a transfer from Illinois, has brought additional playmaking and scoring to St. John’s. His creativity with the ball and his ability to score in various ways make him an important offensive weapon for the Red Storm. Curbelo’s ability to break down defenses and create opportunities for his teammates will be critical in St. John’s efforts to slow down Marquette’s offense.
The Big East Tournament and NCAA Implications
The Marquette vs. St. John’s rivalry games often have implications that extend beyond the regular season. Both teams regularly find themselves in the hunt for NCAA Tournament bids, and their matchups in the Big East Tournament have been crucial in determining who advances to March Madness.
Marquette’s Road to the NCAA Tournament: As one of the top teams in the Big East, Marquette frequently has its sights set on a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. A win over St. John’s, especially in the Big East Tournament, can give them a major boost to their tournament résumé and potentially improve their seeding.
St. John’s NCAA Hopes: For St. John’s, a win against Marquette can often be the difference between an at-large bid and missing out on the tournament. The Red Storm’s NCAA Tournament hopes often hinge on key victories over strong Big East opponents like Marquette.
FAQs
Where can I watch Marquette vs St. John’s game?
You can watch the Marquette vs St. John’s game on FS1 or ESPN+, depending on your location. These games are typically broadcasted nationally, so make sure to check your local listings or streaming services for availability. You can also follow live updates on sports apps or websites.
Where is the Marquette vs St. John’s game being held?
The location of the game alternates between both schools’ home courts. Marquette’s home games are held at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while St. John’s home games take place at Carnesecca Arena in Queens, New York. For neutral-site games, the venue could change.
What is the all-time series record between Marquette and St. John’s?
As of the most recent meeting, Marquette leads the all-time series against St. John’s. However, St. John’s has had a competitive presence, especially in recent years. You can check updated records on sports databases or team websites for the latest.
How do Marquette and St. John’s stack up in the Big East standings?
As of the latest update, Marquette is considered one of the top teams in the Big East Conference, consistently competing at a high level. St. John’s is also a competitive team but has faced some challenges in the standings. To get the most accurate and up-to-date standings, check the NCAA Big East standings page or sports apps.
What is the history of the Marquette vs St. John’s rivalry?
The rivalry between Marquette and St. John’s is a storied one, dating back decades. Both teams have had moments of dominance in the Big East Conference. The games are often high-intensity, with passionate fan bases supporting their respective teams. The rivalry has grown in significance, particularly as both programs have seen success in recent years.
How can I get tickets for the Marquette vs St. John’s game?
Tickets for Marquette vs St. John’s games can be purchased through official team websites or major ticket platforms like Ticketmaster. For home games, each school’s ticketing department will provide details on how to buy tickets, and you can also find group deals or special promotions.
In Summary
The Marquette vs. St. John’s rivalry is one of the most exciting in college basketball. With both teams boasting passionate fan bases and talented rosters, every matchup between the Golden Eagles and the Red Storm is a must-watch event. Whether it’s Marquette’s disciplined style of play under Shaka Smart or St. John’s full-court pressure under Mike Anderson, fans can expect drama, excitement, and memorable moments every time these two teams meet on the court. As both programs continue to evolve, the future of this rivalry is bright, promising even more thrilling games in the years to come.
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