Marquette Women's Basketball Is On A Mission

Last season, I covered the Big East Women's basketball tournament. DePaul beat Marquette in the championship game, but all teams won my respect. I had a front row seat to awesome basketball played by elite athletes.

I decided then to cover more Big East women's basketball or at the very least follow the conference. Thanks to the hospitality of Marquette University and Assistant Director of Communications Megan O'Shea, that journey started with Media Day, as I wrote in On the Beat At Marquette University Women's Basketball Media Day here on the Patch.

Last Friday, I returned to the Al McGuire Center for a game as Marquette hosted Seton Hall. Heading into the game, the Golden Eagles were 14-3 (5-0 in conference). While it is still early in the season, Marquette was playing well and seemed to be on a mission. On Media Day, Coach Carolyn Kieger laid out the high expectations and the team seems to be responding.

Marquette's early season success is even more impressive considering last season's Big East Player of the Year Allazia Blockton has been sidelined for several games with an injury. Her teammates have risen to the occasion in her absence.

Excited to see a game, I arrived early at the arena. At least I thought I arrived early. In fact, the arena was already filling with youngsters. The 3,700 seat facility would eventually be at capacity on what I learned was Milwaukee Public School Day. Those young fans were loud and energetic as they rocked the arena all game long.

As I took my seat in Press Row, I was pleasantly surprised that a few Marquette players recognized me from Media Day and greeted me. What a nice way to start the day. I have so much respect for these elite athletes and for them to acknowledge me during their pregame prep spoke volumes of their character.

Marquette started hot, scoring the first 8 points. They stayed hot and finished the first quarter with a 35-17 score. Up 56-31 at half, Marquette rolled to a 96-60 victory. Seton Hall put up a great effort, but it was never really close. The young fans were cheering for Marquette to break 100, but Coach Kieger opted for inserting some reserves instead of adding too much to the onslaught.

As a team, Marquette shot 51.5% from the field and 41.4% from 3 point land. They also shot 77.8% from the free throw line. Marquette led in rebounds (55-34) and blocks (3-0), but surprisingly Seton Hall had more steals (15-8). Despite the lopsided victory, I am sure Coach Kieger will address the steals disparity.

Natisha Hiedeman continued her superb play in leading all scorers with 28 points, while pitching in 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Hiedeman was ultimately named Big East Player of the Week. Hiedeman was a real pleasure to watch, but she wasn't alone.

Amani Wilborn had 20 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Danielle King and Erika Davenport each had 12 points, to give Marquette 4 players in double digits.

Marquette moved to 15-3 and the win on the following Sunday brought them to 16-3. They are clearly the class of the Big East right now. There is still plenty of basketball to be played, but Marquette looks like they are out to avenge their championship loss and prove they are the best in the Big East and beyond.

The game day experience was a blast and you could tell the Marquette staff worked hard at making it fun. In game host Stephaine Crosley helped keep the energy level high as she guided fans through various “contests” and routines. I must add that Stephaine was especially nice and patient when I fumbled my phone while taking a selfie with her. The Golden Eagle (Marquette's mascot) also added to the fun, entertaining the crowd all day.

I want to thank the Marquette Athletic Department and especially Megan for the hospitality. Marquette is a first class university and I greatly appreciate the time and consideration given to me.

I will definitely be back to Marquette for more basketball action. Until then, I will continue to follow the Golden Eagles and I encourage anyone else to do so as well.