Before the game even started, something was noticeably different. It was not the golden jerseys the team donned for the first time this year, or even the air of excitement for Marquette's first Big East game. It was the fans: for the first time this season there were more than 1,000. In fact 2,003 showed up at the Al McGuire Center.

Whether it was the chance to cheer on Marquette during its first conference game or the free food and T-shirts, after Tuesday night's contest they are bound to be coming back, free food or not.

The Golden Eagles overcame a 17-point deficit in the second half to win their first Big East game against previously-undefeated St. John's 60-57.

"I'm proud of the team's maturity and how much they listened," said head coach Terri Mitchell. "This was a great introduction into the Big East."

Marquette won the tip-off and then unfortunately, turned the ball over moments later. Just three minutes into the game junior forward Jasmine McCullough tallied two fouls and sat out for the rest of the half. With almost 10 minutes off the clock, junior forward Christina Quaye still had not scored in the post.

Despite the "Fire it up!" cheers from the stands, Marquette could not find a spark, much less a flame, of energy. Both teams traded baskets back and forth for most of the first half.

But with 1:22 left, St. John's friendly welcome to one of the toughest women's conferences in the country had worn thin. The Red Storm went on a 7-1 run, making the score 31-24 before both teams headed to the locker rooms.

St. John's opened the second half with a 7-0 spurt in the first minute and a half. And when Tara Walker hit a three at 17:23, putting Marquette behind 43-26, it looked like the Golden Eagles were in trouble.

But no one panicked. No one gave up.

Maybe it was McCullough's presence and her ability to get everyone going, according to Mitchell. Maybe it was that Quaye started playing her game, scoring 14 of her 23 points in the second half. Whatever it was, with 15:50 left in the game, Marquette switched from playing not to lose and started playing to win.

The momentum of the game shifted in Marquette's favor after a three-pointer by Quaye. Nine points and six minutes later, Quaye helped her team come within five points of the Red Storm.

"We just stayed focused and tried to find the hot player," Quaye said. "At the time it happened to be me, but it could have been anyone."

"There are no superstars on this team," Mitchell said. "Everyone plays together and everyone did what the needed to do."

With 4:55 left in the game, Quaye connected on two free throws and tied the game at 51. Both teams traded baskets again for the next few minutes.

With 44 seconds on the clock, junior Danielle Kamm hit a three and put Marquette ahead by two, 59-57. Twenty-four seconds later senior guard Carolyn Kieger headed to the free throw line. She missed the first, but sank the second.

In a final attempt, St. John's Greeba Barlow threw up a shot that hit the front rim.

The buzzer sounded and Marquette won its first-ever Big East conference game.

"I think this game showed our character and the type of team we are," Kieger said. "We showed we deserve and are ready to play at this level."

"This team will never give up and will fight to the end," Mitchell said. "If every game is like this, I'm going to be gray by the end of the year."