Xavier and Marquette Clash in Big East Tournament Opener

Tre Carroll's status in doubt as Musketeers and Golden Eagles meet in opening round

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Xavier and Marquette will face off in the opening round of the Big East tournament, with the winner advancing to take on second-seeded UConn. Xavier earned the 10th seed after a disappointing regular season, while Marquette is the 7th seed despite a losing record. The status of Xavier's leading scorer Tre Carroll is in doubt due to a right hip injury sustained last week. Marquette has struggled this season after losing key players from last year's roster, but has won three of its last four games.

Why it matters

This matchup between Xavier and Marquette lacks the usual stakes of an NCAA tournament berth, as both teams are unlikely to make the Big Dance this year. However, it still represents an important opportunity for both programs to end their seasons on a high note and potentially build momentum for next year.

The details

Xavier (14-17) earned its lowest seed in the Big East tournament after a season in which it allowed 80 points in 17 games and lost 14 of those contests. The Musketeers' defense has been a major issue, allowing opponents to shoot over 50% in 12 games. Marquette (12-19) is finishing its third losing season as a Big East member, but has played better down the stretch, winning three of its last four games. The Golden Eagles' win over 4th-ranked UConn in the regular season finale was a highlight.

  • The Xavier-Marquette opening round game will take place on Wednesday.
  • The winner will face 2nd-seeded UConn on Thursday.

The players

Tre Carroll

Xavier's leading scorer, who was named to the All-Big East first team, is day-to-day with a right hip injury.

Nigel James Jr.

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

Richard Pitino

First-year head coach of Xavier who has lamented his team's poor defensive play this season.

Shaka Smart

Marquette head coach who acknowledged his team has struggled to put together strong performances on both ends of the floor 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 (statenews.net)

“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 (statenews.net)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This first-round Big East tournament matchup between Xavier and Marquette lacks the usual high stakes, as both teams have struggled this season and are unlikely to make the NCAA tournament. However, it still represents an important opportunity for the programs to end their seasons on a positive note and potentially build momentum for next year.