Starters, odds, prediction for Big East opener

The Marquette men’s basketball team previews the Big East season Wednesday night at Fiserv Forum.

The Golden Eagles (9-2) are ranked ninth in both major college basketball polls and are coming off a loss Saturday in Dayton. The Bulldogs (7-4) have lost three straight, including Saturday against Wisconsin.

More:Marquette Reader Mailbag: Sean Jones’ return, future Golden Eagles and recurring problems

More:Marquette opens Big East play on Wednesday. Get ready for the league with this introduction

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Stevie Mitchell helps Marquette break through in the second half

The Golden Eagles came out of halftime full of energy.

Stevie Mitchell scored twice as the Golden Eagles went on an 8-0 run to take a 40-35 lead.

Marquette’s shot is cold as Butler leads at halftime

Butler went into the locker room with a 35-32 lead, and it was easy to see why when looking at the scoresheet.

The Bulldogs shot 6 for 14 on three-pointers, with Pierre Brooks and Jahmyl Telfort each knocking down two.

MU was just 2 for 15 from distance.

The good news in all of these misses for the Golden Eagles is that they grabbed 11 offensive rebounds and scored 17 second chance points.

Pierre Brooks helps Butler take an early lead

Butler’s Pierre Brooks hit two deep three-pointers as the Bulldogs took a 16-13 lead with 11:32 left in the first half.

Butler hit three of his first five shots from long range.

Marquette’s likely starters

Guards: Kam Jones, Stevie Mitchell, Chase Ross

Forward: Ben Gold and David Joplin

More:How Marquette’s Chase Ross learned to play basketball like a pass-catching free safety

Butler’s likely starters

Guards: Pierre Brooks, Finley Bizjack

Forward: Jahmyl Telfort, Patrick McCaffery

Center: Andre Screen

Marquette vs. Butler odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday

OPPORTUNITIES: Marquette until May 14th
O/U: 148.5

Marquette-Butler forecast

The Golden Eagles have a golden opportunity to clinch the Big East crown despite seemingly not having much competition in the top bracket, and it starts against Butler. The Bulldogs will want to slow the pace, so MU will want to increase the pressure and continue to force turnovers. Thad Matta will figure out ways to slow down Kam Jones, so this could be a breakout game for another player. Zaide Lowery maybe?

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