Xavier Battles Marquette in Big East Tournament Opener

Musketeers' leading scorer Tre Carroll's status uncertain due to injury

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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In the opening round of the Big East tournament, the 10th-seeded Xavier Musketeers will face the 7th-seeded Marquette Golden Eagles. Xavier is led by Tre Carroll, who averaged 18 points per game in the regular season but is dealing with a right hip injury and is considered day-to-day. Marquette is finishing a disappointing season after losing key players from last year's roster, but has won 3 of its last 4 games. The winner will face 2nd-seeded UConn in the next round.

Why it matters

This matchup features two teams heading in opposite directions, as Xavier is struggling to avoid its second losing season in three years, while Marquette is trying to build momentum heading into the offseason after a down year. The status of Xavier's leading scorer Tre Carroll will be a major factor in determining the outcome.

The details

Xavier (14-17) earned its lowest seed in the Big East tournament and is on the verge of its second losing campaign in three seasons. The Musketeers allowed 80 points in 17 games and lost 14 of those contests. Marquette (12-19) is finishing its third losing season as a Big East member, but has won 3 of its last 4 games, including an upset of 4th-ranked UConn in the regular season finale.

  • The Xavier-Marquette matchup is the opening round of the 2026 Big East tournament, taking place on Wednesday.
  • Xavier lost to Marquette in the quarterfinals of last season's Big East tournament.

The players

Tre Carroll

Xavier's leading scorer, who averaged 18 points per game in the regular season but is dealing with a right hip injury and is considered day-to-day for the tournament opener.

Nigel James Jr.

Marquette freshman who scored 19 points in the team's regular season finale and had three 30-point games this season.

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What they’re saying

“We guard nobody. We just guard nobody. We just hope they miss. I love our guys. They're trying.”

— Richard Pitino, Xavier Head Coach (yournews.com)

“It's been a year that, at times, we've been good on one end and not as good on the other end. You got to put them both together if you want to win in March.”

— Shaka Smart, Marquette Head Coach (yournews.com)

What’s next

The winner of the Xavier-Marquette matchup will face 2nd-seeded UConn in the next round of the Big East tournament on Thursday.

The takeaway

This opening round Big East tournament game features two teams heading in opposite directions, with Xavier struggling to avoid another losing season and Marquette trying to build momentum after a down year. The status of Xavier's leading scorer Tre Carroll will be a key factor in determining the outcome.