Marquette Edges Xavier in Nail-Biter 66-65
Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Fiserv Forum
Marquette Golden Eagles 66, Xavier Musketeers 65, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Xavier Musketeers vs Marquette Golden Eagles?
Marquette Golden Eagles beat Xavier Musketeers 66-65 at Fiserv Forum on January 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Xavier Musketeers vs Marquette Golden Eagles?
Marquette Golden Eagles were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -238 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Fiserv Forum, the Marquette Golden Eagles narrowly defeated the Xavier Musketeers with a final score of 66-65. This game was particularly noteworthy given Marquette's recent struggles, having lost their last six games prior to this victory, while Xavier was looking to bounce back from two consecutive losses.
Marquette entered the game with a home record of 6-10, struggling significantly with a recent form of 2-8 over their last ten games. Their average scoring during this stretch was 70.2 points per game, but they also allowed an average of 78.4 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. In their last five games, they averaged just 64.2 points while conceding 78.6, showcasing a troubling trend for the team.
On the other hand, Xavier had a better recent record of 6-4, although they faced their own challenges with a current losing streak of two games. They averaged 77.4 points scored per game over their last ten, with an average of 76.9 points allowed. Their last five games saw them scoring 71.2 points but allowing a higher average of 81.6, suggesting inconsistencies in their defense as well.
At home, Marquette had a record of 2-4 in their last six games, while Xavier's away record stood at 1-1. This matchup was particularly significant as it marked the fourth meeting between the two teams in the 2025 season, with Marquette having won two of the previous three matchups. Notably, their last encounter ended with Marquette losing by just two points, a close 57-59 game.
In terms of injuries, there were no specific details provided in the block, but both teams have had to navigate player absences throughout the season, which could have influenced their performance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Marquette favored to win by 5.5 points, with a total set at 157.5. The odds reflected Marquette's status as the home team, with a moneyline of -238. Conversely, Xavier's moneyline was set at 195, indicating the perceived difficulty they faced in securing a victory.
The conditions of the game were typical for indoor basketball, with no specific weather-related factors to consider, allowing both teams to focus solely on their gameplay.
As the game unfolded, the scoring plays were tightly contested, with Marquette holding onto a slim lead throughout the second half. Key moments included Malik Messina-Moore's free throws that brought Xavier close, and Jovan Milicevic's three-pointer that further tightened the score. Ultimately, Ben Gold's crucial dunk sealed the victory for Marquette, demonstrating their resilience in a challenging season.
Overall, this game was a testament to Marquette's determination to break their losing streak and regain confidence, while Xavier will need to regroup and address their defensive issues moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MARQ -5.5 | 157.5 o -110 / u -110 | Xavier Musketeers +195 · Marquette Golden Eagles -238 |
Leaders
- PointsRoyce Parham14Marquette Golden Eagles
- AssistsNigel James Jr.6Marquette Golden Eagles
- ReboundsChase Ross9Marquette Golden Eagles
- PointsMalik Messina-Moore22Xavier Musketeers
- AssistsMalik Messina-Moore3Xavier Musketeers
- ReboundsFilip Borovicanin7Xavier Musketeers
Recent form
Marquette Golden Eagles
Last 10: 2-8Streak L670.2 scored · 78.4 allowed per game2-4 at home
- L57-73at UConn HuskiesJan 4
- L73-79vs Seton Hall PiratesDec 31
- L63-84at Creighton BluejaysDec 21
- L69-78vs Georgetown HoyasDec 18
- L59-79at Purdue BoilermakersDec 13
- L76-96at Wisconsin BadgersDec 6
- W75-72vs Valparaiso BeaconsDec 3
- L74-75vs Oklahoma SoonersNov 28
- W85-71vs Central Michigan ChippewasNov 22
- L71-77vs Dayton FlyersNov 20
Xavier Musketeers
Last 10: 6-4Streak L277.4 scored · 76.9 allowed per game1-1 away
- L77-86at DePaul Blue DemonsJan 3
- L67-90vs UConn HuskiesDec 31
- W80-77at Georgetown HoyasDec 21
- L57-98vs Creighton BluejaysDec 17
- W75-57vs Missouri State BearsDec 13
- W79-74vs Cincinnati BearcatsDec 6
- W96-74vs Saint Francis Red WolvesDec 2
- W88-67vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersNov 28
- W78-68vs West Virginia MountaineersNov 23
- L77-78vs Georgia BulldogsNov 22
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. John's | 30-7 | - | 18-2 |
| UConn | 34-6 | 1 | 17-3 |
| Villanova | 24-9 | 3 | 15-5 |
| Seton Hall | 21-12 | 8 | 10-10 |
| Creighton | 16-18 | 9 | 9-11 |
| DePaul | 16-16 | 10 | 8-12 |
| Butler | 16-16 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Providence | 15-18 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Marquette | 12-20 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Georgetown | 16-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
| Xavier | 15-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Xavier Musketeers | Marquette Golden Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-59 | 26-65 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 11-24 | 5-22 |
| Three-point % | 46 | 23 |
| Free throws | 10-14 | 9-18 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 50 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 47 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 19 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 28 |
| Assists | 11 | 16 |
| Steals | 12 | 13 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 17 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 14 | 38 |
| Fouls | 18 | 10 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 3 | 94 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half27-29Malik Messina-Moore makes 30-foot three point jumper (Filip Borovicanin assists)
- 1st Half27-31Royce Parham makes driving layup (Tre Norman assists)
- 1st Half27-32Royce Parham makes free throw 1 of 1
- 1st Half27-34Royce Parham makes layup
- 1st Half27-35Royce Parham makes free throw 1 of 1
- 1st Half27-37Chase Ross makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Nigel James Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half29-37Tre Carroll makes 14-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half31-37Roddie Anderson III makes driving layup (Malik Messina-Moore assists)
- 2nd Half31-39Royce Parham makes driving layup
- 2nd Half31-41Nigel James Jr. makes driving layup (Adrien Stevens assists)
- 2nd Half34-41Malik Messina-Moore makes 27-foot three point jumper (Tre Carroll assists)
- 2nd Half34-44Adrien Stevens makes 24-foot three point jumper (Royce Parham assists)
- 2nd Half34-46Nigel James Jr. makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half36-46Malik Messina-Moore makes driving layup (All Wright assists)
- 2nd Half36-48Caedin Hamilton makes layup (Adrien Stevens assists)
- 2nd Half39-48All Wright makes 24-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Walker assists)
- 2nd Half39-50Nigel James Jr. makes layup (Tre Norman assists)
- 2nd Half40-50Filip Borovicanin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-53Adrien Stevens makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chase Ross assists)
- 2nd Half42-53Tre Carroll makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half45-53Roddie Anderson III makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half48-53Filip Borovicanin makes 26-foot three point jumper (Malik Messina-Moore assists)
- 2nd Half51-53Pape N'Diaye makes 27-foot three point jumper (Roddie Anderson III assists)
- 2nd Half51-55Nigel James Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-55Tre Carroll makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-56Royce Parham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-57Royce Parham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-57Tre Carroll makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-58Chase Ross makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-59Chase Ross makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-60Tre Norman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-62Chase Ross makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half56-62Malik Messina-Moore makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half57-62Malik Messina-Moore makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half58-62Malik Messina-Moore makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half61-62Jovan Milicevic makes 27-foot three point jumper (Malik Messina-Moore assists)
- 2nd Half61-64Royce Parham makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half63-64Tre Carroll makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-64Malik Messina-Moore makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-66Ben Gold makes 1-foot dunk (Nigel James Jr. assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Marquette Golden Eagles, below favours Xavier Musketeers.
Venue
- Fiserv ForumMilwaukee, WI
- Attendance14020
- OfficialsTim Clougherty, Matt Potter, Nathan Farrell
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