No.14 Buffalo (11-0) is coming off a very good road win at Syracuse, while No.20 Marquette (9-2) is coming off a dominant win over North Dakota.
How Marquette Can Win:
A big factor in this game is the fact Marquette will be at home. The Golden Eagles are 8-0 at home this season including wins over two ranked teams. Both of those wins have came from big scoring nights from Markus Howard and the Hauser brothers. Marquette must also play good defense as they will be going up against a high scoring Buffalo team who averages 83.9 points a game.
How Buffalo Can Win:
The Bulls have to play very good defense as Buffalo usually gives up around 66 points a game while Marquette averages 77 points a game. Buffalo also will have to watch out for the Golden Eagle’s individual scorers in Markus Howard and Sam Hauser. Howard has had great games this season when playing ranked opponents including dropping 45 points on No.12 Kansas State. It’s safe to say if Buffalo wants to win this game they must find a way contain Howard and the explosive Marquette offense.
Players to Watch:
If Marquette wants to get the upset, Markus Howard has to continue to play well as he has averaged 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists so far this season. If the Golden Eagles want to beat Buffalo they will need a big game from Howard.
Buffalo needs a big showing from CJ Massinburg if they wanna go on the road to beat Marquette. Massinburg has averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds so far this season. If Buffalo wants to keep their season undefeated a big game from Massinburg will help.
Score Prediction:
Buffalo will not stand a chance in this game. The home crowd of Marquette will be too much for the Bulls in this game. As Markus Howard and Sam Hauser will have big games and Marquette will cruise to a easy victory. Golden Eagles: 73 Bulls: 60
Image via: USA Today
