Postgame Comments: Marquette 67, Tennessee 59

Photo courtesy of Marquette Athletics via Facebook

Marquette trailed early before taking control of the game with strong shooting and frequent trips to the free throw line. The 67-59 victory earned MU third place in the Orlando Classic, finishing behind champion Kansas and runner-up Michigan State.

Coach Wojciechowski called timeout with 11:57 remaining in the first half and his team trailing 17-6. After some spirited conversations in the huddle, Marquette outscored Tennessee 29-13 en route to a 35-30 halftime lead.

A 3-pointer by Tennessee freshman and 2014 RSCI Top 100 recruit Detrick Mostella cut MU’s lead to one with 10:35 left in the game. Marquette’s own freshman (redshirt) Duane Wilson responded with two NBA-range treys and the team never looked back.

Postgame press videos are available for viewing below. Coach Wojo talked about his pre-game hand injury, calling it, “just a little flesh wound.” He was joined by senior guard Derrick Wilson.

Tennessee head coach Donnie Tyndall and junior guard Kevin Punter met with the media as well. Tyndall said, “Give Marquette credit. They were tougher, more physical than us, other than about the first four minutes of the game.”

Miscellaneous  Comments and Notes:

• Pace: Average team possessions of 59 was a season-low for MU.

• Effective field goal percentage: MU 60.5%, Tenn 45.8%. Marquette shot better in only three games during the 2013-14 season. This was the second time this season that MU has held its opponent to under-50% eFG.

• Turnover rate: MU 15.5%, Tenn 25.1% (using team-specific possession estimates). Marquette continues to their positive trend in turnover advantage. Three players had two steals each (Anderson, Burton and Derrick Wilson).

• Offensive rebounding percentage: MU 19.2%, Tenn 51.4%. The Volunteers dominated the boards, led by Armani Moore’s 13 (8 offensive and 5 defensive rebounds). Second chance points were in Tennessee’s favor 12-5.

• Free throw rate: MU 53.5%, Tenn 10.0%. Personal fouls called were 24 on Tennessee and only 10 on Marquette. The Volunteers settled for a lot of jumpshots and 3-pointers (3/20 3FG) while Marquette attacked the paint more often.

• Redshirt freshman Duane Wilson was excellent as he tallied 30 points on 9/17 shooting (5/9 3FG) and 7/8 free throws.  His eFG% for the game was 67.6%.

• Derrick Wilson was a perfect 4/4 from the field, including 1/1 3FG. He had 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and no turnovers in 36 minutes of play.

• Juan Anderson was only 2/8 from the field and had 4 turnovers, but he did grab 8 rebounds (3 offensive), had 3 assists and 2 steals.

• Up next are the Wisconsin Badgers. That game is Saturday, December 6 in Milwaukee.