Marquette’s Exciting NCAA Journey
The Marquette University men’s basketball team is making waves as it heads into the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. They earned an at-large bid and will take on the New Mexico Lobos in the first round on March 21 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
This year, Marquette is a No. 7 seed in the South Region, going up against 10th-seeded New Mexico. Interestingly, these two teams have a bit of history; back in 2013, New Mexico beat Marquette 75-68 at a charity event in Las Vegas.
Excitement is in the air, but fans hoping for tickets might be disappointed. Due to high demand and limited availability, it looks like there won’t be any tickets for the first and second rounds of the tournament. The ticket office will update if things change.
This marks Marquette’s 37th NCAA tournament appearance and their fourth in a row—the first time doing so since the 2012-2013 season. The Golden Eagles previously claimed the national championship in 1977, a feat attributed to the legendary coach Al McGuire. They’ve also made 17 trips to the Sweet Sixteen and have a storied history with three Final Four appearances.
Season Highlights and Milestones
The 2024-25 season has been remarkable for the Golden Eagles. They finished tied for fourth in the BIG EAST Conference and made it to the semifinals for the third consecutive year. Throughout the season, Marquette has been ranked as high as fifth in the nation, maintaining their spot in the top-25 for 50 weeks—a streak that ranks fourth longest in the country.
Head coach Shaka Smart has played an essential role in this success, boasting a 98-40 record at Marquette. Under his leadership, the team featured the same starting lineup throughout the season, a rarity. Starting strong, they achieved their best BIG EAST start since 2008-09, winning their first five road games in conference play—an unprecedented feat for the program.
Several players have shone throughout the season. Guard Kam Jones was named to the All-BIG EAST First Team, while forward David Joplin earned a spot on the Third Team. Additionally, guard Stevie Mitchell was celebrated as BIG EAST Scholar-Athlete of the Year, showcasing not only skill on the court but also dedication to academics.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Marquette’s basketball legacy is significant. They are among the 20 schools to have won both an NCAA title and an NIT Championship. Such achievements often spark conversations on social media, where fans express their pride and share memes about their team’s journey. As college basketball evolves, Marquette remains a key player, fostering a vibrant community and passionate support base.
As Marquette prepares for this tournament, many eyes will be on their performance. Their journey is a blend of history, skill, and the spirit of competition. For more on the Golden Eagles’ road to the championship, you can follow them on social media via their official accounts.
For more details, check out the NCAA’s official page here.
Check out this related article: Why College and University Aren’t Elitist: A Counterargument to Common Misconceptions by Carlo Invernizzi-Accetti
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