MU’s next opponent: The book on Grambling State

Marquette will look to improve to 2-0 tonight against a Grambling State team that hasn’t won since March 3, 2012, a span of 32 games.

The Tigers got smacked by DePaul in their season opener Saturday, 96-58. A’Torri Shine led Grambling State with 21 points and seven rebounds in the loss. Coach Joseph Price doesn’t have much to work with, what with one of the worst athletic department budgets among Division I teams in the country.

Grambling State will put a damper on Marquette’s RPI numbers later in the season, but for now it’s important that the Golden Eagles shore up some of their shortcomings after Friday’s 63-56 win over Southern.

Marquette attempted a team record 53 free throws, but missed 20 of them. This is by far the easiest game on Marquette’s schedule and anything but a complete blowout would be a disappointment.

GSU’s probable lineup

#1 A’Torri Shine 6-5 G Jr. (21 points per game, 7 rebounds per game)

Quick look: Shine is undoubtedly Grambling State’s best player, which is saying something because his 21-point outing against DePaul was his first game for the Tigers after transferring from Southern University-Shreveport (La.).

#4 Remond Brown 6-3 G Fr. (11 ppg, 3 rpg, 1 apg)

Quick look: Brown was impressive in his collegiate debut Saturday, playing 37 minutes. He did have four turnovers and was just 1-of-6 from the free throw line, however.

#10 Chase Comier 5-11 G Fr. (9 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg)

Quick look: Comier missed all 10 of his field goal attempts Saturday, but attempted 12 free throws while dishing out a team-high four assists.

#2 Richard Freeman 6-8 G/F Fr. (7 ppg, 6 rpg)

Quick look: At a towering 6-8, Freeman is the second-tallest player on the Tigers’ roster. The Indianapolis native is pretty athletic (if you put any stock into his YouTube highlight tape) and may be the best athlete Grambling State has.

#42 Steven Dandridge 6-8 F Sr. (2 ppg, 2 rpg)

Quick look: The senior played 16 minutes Saturday before fouling out. He’ll have a long night dealing with Davante Gardner.

Quick hits:

• Of the 11 players to see the court for Marquette, eight attempted at least one free throw, led by Davante Gardner’s 20.
• Marquette hasn’t played Grambling State since an 87-41 victory over the Tigers on Nov. 21, 2009.
• With the Golden Eagles’ win over Southern Friday, Marquette is now 14-0 all-time against opponents from the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Marquette can improve to 15-0 with a win tonight.

Next up:

Marquette will host Ohio State on Saturday afternoon while Grambling State will play at Missouri State on Nov. 20.