After a loss to Butler last Friday night that could have been closer than the 87-76 final score indicated, Marquette men’s basketball (7-14, 2-8 Big East) returns to Fiserv Forum to face the Creighton Bluejays (12-8, 6-3) at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night.
The last time Marquette faced off at Creighton, the Golden Eagles got out to a promising start, but the Bluejays used a 25-2 run to defend their home floor and win 84-63.
Marquette has not won a game outside of Fiserv Forum this season, and both of its Big East wins have been by one point. It’s been a year of tight, mystifying losses in which a few bad minutes spoil any hope of victory.
Marquette having rough stretch, but young core gives promising future foundation
It’s been an awful year for the Golden Eagles, who sit No. 142 in the NET rankings and will miss the NCAA tournament for the first time under Shaka Smart (barring a miracle Big East tournament win). But the underclassmen have provided glimpses of hope for future years.
First-year Nigel James Jr. has run the offense like a seasoned veteran, making desperately needed clutch plays with improved efficiency and decision-making. His last two games at Fiserv Forum ended with career-highs. Against Villanova, he dropped 31 points on 7-of-9 deep shooting, before setting a new personal best 38 points — including clutch free throws to force overtime— in a 105-104 thriller versus Providence.
Sophomore forward Royce Parham and first-year guard Adrien Stevens are showing improvement as they stepped into the starting lineup midseason. Parham has scored double figures in seven of Marquette’s 10 Big East games, while Stevens has provided a spark with his 3-point shooting.
Sophomore Damarius Owens has been a key piece off the bench for Marquette, playing 20-plus minutes and scoring double figures in three of his last four games.
Creighton seeking seventh Big East win of the season
On the other side of the ledger, the Bluejays have been no stranger to close finishes since their first meeting in Omaha with the Golden Eagles.
Two home nailbiters against Georgetown and Xavier have solidified their penchant for finishing close games. Although Creighton blew out Xavier by 41 points in Cincinnati on Dec. 17– Xavier’s worst home loss ever, and in the rematch with the Musketeers, they contrastingly squeaked by with a one-point victory in Omaha. Marquette earned its first Big East win against the Musketeers, also by a single point Jan. 7 at home.
Austin Swartz (11.6 points per game), senior guard Josh Dix (12.8 points per game) and junior forward Jasen Green (10.8 points per game) all average in double figures for the Bluejays, while junior forward Owen Freeman tallied 17 blocks this season while making eight starts and appearing in 18 contests. Dix received Big East Player of the Week honors to close out 2025.
Since the last time Creighton faced Marquette, they are 5-3 with tight road losses to Seton Hall and Providence, as well as wins over Villanova and Georgetown — squads Marquette has come up short against this season.
In-Game Special Events
All spectators are encouraged to wear gold (or yellow) as part of the ‘gold out’ theme. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a complimentary retro gold replica jersey.
🟡Gold Out GIVEAWAY🟡
This Tuesday, the FIRST 5,000 FANS receive a retro gold replica jersey!
Bring energy and wear GOLD!⚡️@gruber_law | #MUBB pic.twitter.com/bAmLM7x0Pp
— Marquette Basketball (@MarquetteMBB) January 22, 2026
During halftime of the contest, former Marquette guard Stevie Mitchell, who now plays in the NBA G League for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (affiliate of the Houston Rockets), will be honored with the McCahill Award, an annual accolade which highlights achievement, scholarship and service to MU.
How to follow the game
Watch: The game will be broadcast on TNT/TruTV.
Listen: 94.5 ESPN Milwaukee.
Live updates: Follow @MUWireSports on Twitter/X.
This article was written by Mikey Severson. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter/X @MikeySeversonMU.
