Mike Deane’s latest cast of hardcourt misfits may be the weakest in his short tenure at Marquette, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t any good. What it does mean is coaching will play an important part in the success of this year’s team. Deane has relied on point guard sensations Tony Miller and Aaron Hutchins in the past but must start over with 6-5 junior Bart Miller or Cordell Henry, a talented but inexperienced freshman. Another staple of a Mike Deane team are strong talents at the center position, but the Golden Eagles don’t have a Jim McIlvaine-type player on their roster. Instead, 6-10 Jarrod Lovette, 6-11, 255lb Greg Clausen, and 6-10, 225lb John Mueller give Deane a solid but unspectacular presence in the paint while the backcourt offers up more scoring and playmaking. One thing you will on this year’s team is size. At times, no player will take the court for Marquette that stands under 6-5.

Offensive prowess aside, Marquette’s brass ring is tenacious defense, so good that the Golden Eagles led the nation in FG% defense just two years ago and should field yet another strong cast of ball-hawks in 1998-99. Marquette is the best in the business at challenging perimeter shots, denying entry passes into the post, and staying goal-side of the basketball. Marquette rarely wins pretty, but you can’t argue with six straight 20-win seasons.

Marquette is 3-1 on the season with wins over BC, Morgan State, and Nicholls State. Their lone loss was a nailbiter to nationally-ranked Oklahoma State.

Dayton played well last year at the Bradley Center but faded near the end. The final score of 86-68 was not indicative of the game but was indicative of Dayton’s inability to win road games against quality opponents. Two years ago, Marquette escaped the Arena with a 65-61 win after Darnell Hoskins picked up a critical technical foul in the final minutes when the score was tight. All told, the Golden Eagles have won seven in a row and 12 of the last 15 in the series. Not since Alex Robertson’s desperation trey at the buzzer in 1991-92 have the Flyers been victorious. This is Dayton’s best chance to end the drought until the series returns to the UD Arena.

Dayton’s foursome of Stanley, Young, Metzler, and Morris are more talented offensively than Marquette’s backcourt, but could easily see frustration take its toll if they start casting treys instead of working the ball inside to Mark Ashman. In turn, Ashman must recognize the double-team and kick the ball out to Dayton’s talented wing players for open jumpers when the circumstance presents itself. The Flyers’ ability to navigate the high-low game will play a major role in the outcome of the contest.

With a tough loss to Miami still in the minds of Dayton fans and players, it is imperative for the Flyers to get back on the winning track. There is no reason for Dayton to lose this game and there is enough incentive to blow them out after a poor showing in Oxford a week ago. The Flyers still have a lot to prove and a lot to improve on. Saturday’s game is the perfect stage. Tip-off is set for 1pm.