Photo by Maggie Bean

Luka Prpa has scored three goals in the last two games.

Luka Prpa scored in the 78th minute and Marquette pressed late, but the Golden Eagles were unable to string together two conference victories. Marquette fell on the road to Providence, 2-1.

Prpa’s goal, his ninth of the season, came from outside the box. Connor Alba had the ball knocked away from him as he worked his way through three defenders. It went right to Prpa, who fired a bouncer through traffic and into the right side of the net. Prpa’s nine goals is the most for a Marquette player since C. Nortey’s 10 in 2013. Last year’s leader Kelmend Islami scored eight times.

Providence’s first goal was an unlikely break for Marquette, as Brendan Constantine’s shot in the 18th minute deflected off John Pothast’s back and into the right corner of the net. Keeper Wicho Barraza expected the ball to continue directly to the center of the net, so he was helpless to stop the shot.

The Friars doubled their lead in the 36th, as Julian Gressel was able to beat Marquette defender Anton von Hofacker on a 50/50 ball near midfield. He was able to run in all alone, forcing Barraza off his line. That allowed Gressel to make a pass to Danny Griffin for an easy chip shot goal.

Marquette (4-6-4, 1-4-2 BIG EAST) is now four points behind DePaul, who currently holds the final spot in the BIG EAST Tournament. The Golden Eagles will play the Blue Demons in the team’s regular season finale.

The Golden Eagles play their final regular season road game of the season Saturday against Butler at 6 p.m.