NFL
By Jeffrey Newholm
“Humans will never be able to fly.”
Wrong.
“America will never overcome the coronavirus pandemic.”
Soon to be wrong.
“Women’s basketball will never be equal to men’s.”
If the Marquette basketball program is any indication? That’s 0 for 3 for defeatist predictions too many innovators and activists heard too frequently over the last two centuries.
Although probably on the wrong side of the bubble, Marquette soars up the Big East standings. Although relegated to a smaller arena than the men, the Golden Eagles proved against Uconn that the ladies can soar to unthinkable heights.
Don’t believe them? Then skeptics are going to miss some great basketball.
Most Important Game
Uconn (although South Carolina is slowly taking its place) is the women’s basketball equivalent of a wonder circus. They come to town to dazzle spectators but usually leave home fans disappointed.
Who needs the Super Bowl when the Huskies challenge a rising program? (There was plenty of time for both anyways.)
The most important game of the day is underway!
Tune in to our contest against @UConnWBB right now on FOX.
— Marquette WBB (@MarquetteWBB) February 13, 2022
On the game’s first possession, Marquette rapidly announced: you’re on!
Chloe with the strong finish to get us started!#muwbb pic.twitter.com/Wcx3hiJXqi
— Marquette WBB (@MarquetteWBB) February 13, 2022
The Eagles fought valiantly…what, expecting a “but?” No but! Marquette more than equaled Uconn through three quarters, trading baskets and leading for much of the contest. And what a crowd!
The Marquette men play at Fiserv Forum, the Bucks’ arena. Likely to save money on overhead, MU administrators force the ladies to play at the Al McGuire Center, where the men practice. Thankfully, it’s still a beautiful arena and proved a more than capable venue for the biggest home game of the year.
Although some Eagle fans exhibited rudeness, there’s no denying the school’s passion for women’s basketball.
Excited to be in the stands cheering on @MarquetteWBB today! There is still time to make it to the Al! #WeAreMarquette pic.twitter.com/leW4rbe53C
— MARQUETTE Soccer (@MarquetteWSOC) February 13, 2022
Sadly, Nuts And Bolts Sports must type the worst word in sports writing: “but.” But, although the Huskies only played six players with three starters out, coach Geno Auriemma instills a mental toughness few teams can match. Unfortunately, the Eagles soared too low after the third quarter horn sounded.
Temporary Landing
After nearly two hours of entertaining thousands on Fox (that’s not FS1, folks, that’s Fox!), Marquette stepped too slowly on a closeout.
DORKA FOR THREE
Let's GO, UConn! pic.twitter.com/GvAzdeZboX
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) February 13, 2022
Freshwoman phenom Azzi (that’s eh-zee) Fudd lassoed the Eagles a final time, leading the Marquette contingent to devastated exits.
AZZI. FUDD. pic.twitter.com/6bHhWkucaX
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) February 13, 2022
Third-year coach Megan Duffy wouldn’t let Marquette feel sorry for itself. How could she, with the Big East tournament still ahead?
And, oh, yeah, a certain someone looming Wednesday.
The Eagles Have Soared
Perhaps feeling defeated from the 58-72 setback, despite leading by two after three quarters, Marquette dropped a game to Depaul, its most significant rival.
That will do it from Chicago. Back at it on Friday at Georgetown.#muwbb pic.twitter.com/EzR5H5js1P
— Marquette WBB (@MarquetteWBB) February 17, 2022
But as South Carolina learned after catching Uconn (and now earning the #1 pre-selection seed), sometimes a bird has to flap its wings several times before taking off.
When Marquette visited D.C? The Hoyas could only duck as the Eagles soared.
7-0 run to start the game?
Yes plz. 😍#muwbb pic.twitter.com/ThfQIl4Fmx
— Marquette WBB (@MarquetteWBB) February 19, 2022
After besting the Lady Hoyas, Marquette takes on a familiar challenge. MU had to postpone its December matchup against Uconn due to an Eagle COVID outbreak. Duffy didn’t need to reschedule the game; who wants another loss on their tournament resume?
But Marquette has a proud program, going back to when McGuire gave their men a reason to believe in themselves.
Although Big East schools knew Uconn would be a tough dog to collar, they recognize that one can only become the best by defeating the best. So, although history stands against the Eagles, they prepare for the beast once more.
Will Wednesday, February 23rd, become the most memorable Big East day in Eagles history? Will they escape the clutches of the women’s basketball bully, as other schools finally are?
Even an Eagle can’t see the outcome of any specific game. However, anyone can envision the heights Marquette so closely nears.
Great article Jeff about the Golden Eagles. I have enjoyed the MU women’s team over the years and enjoy their games emmensely. Thanks for bringing out the passion in which they play.
THANKS, DAN!!!