Marquette Hosts Red-Hot St. John's in Big East Matchup

Golden Eagles look to end three-game skid against conference leader

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Marquette men's basketball team returns home to Fiserv Forum to host the surging St. John's Red Storm, who have won 11 straight games and sit atop the Big East standings. Marquette has lost its last three games, while St. John's has been one of the hottest teams in the country. The Red Storm defeated Marquette handily in their first matchup earlier this season.

Why it matters

This game is an important Big East clash between two teams heading in opposite directions. Marquette is looking to get back on track at home, while St. John's is aiming to continue its dominant conference run. The outcome could have significant implications for the Big East standings and tournament seeding.

The details

Marquette has struggled of late, dropping three straight games, while St. John's has been rolling, winning 11 consecutive contests. In the teams' first meeting, St. John's big man Zuby Ejiofor had a big game, which poses a challenge for the Golden Eagles' interior defense. Marquette will need to find a way to slow down Ejiofor and the Red Storm's balanced scoring attack to have a chance at pulling off the upset at home.

  • The game is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18 at 8 p.m. CT.
  • St. John's defeated Marquette 83-68 in their first matchup on January 13.

The players

Zuby Ejiofor

A rugged inside presence for St. John's who has given Marquette trouble in the past.

Nigel James Jr.

A starting guard for Marquette who will need to play well for the Golden Eagles to have a chance.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to slow down Ejiofor and their balanced scoring attack. They're one of the hottest teams in the country right now, so we know we'll have our hands full.”

— Shaka Smart, Marquette Head Coach (Marquette Athletics)

What’s next

If Marquette can pull off the upset, it would be a major boost to their conference tournament hopes. A loss would further damage their postseason aspirations.

The takeaway

This game represents a significant challenge for Marquette as they try to turn around their recent struggles against the conference-leading Red Storm. A strong performance at home could provide a much-needed confidence boost for the Golden Eagles as they look to make a late-season push.