The recent basketball clash between the Marquette Golden Eagles and the DePaul Blue Demons presented a rollercoaster of emotions and performance, ultimately culminating in a narrow win for Marquette. The game, initially appearing to be a comfortable affair for the Golden Eagles, devolved into a tense battle marked by strategic shifts, individual brilliance, and critical errors. Marquette's early dominance was gradually eroded by a surge from DePaul, showcasing the unpredictable nature of collegiate basketball. While the Golden Eagles secured the victory, the manner in which they did so has sparked discussions about their resilience and ability to close out games effectively.
Marquette Survives DePaul's Valiant Comeback Effort
On a recent Thursday, January 29, 2026, the Marquette Golden Eagles faced off against the DePaul Blue Demons, in a game that tested their mettle. The first quarter saw Marquette establishing a significant lead of 26-15, despite a somewhat unpolished offensive display. Their advantage grew to 49-27 by halftime, propelled by a decisive 23-12 second quarter, which included a crucial 14-5 run towards the end of the period. Skylar Forbes, returning after missing a previous game for personal reasons, made a notable impact off the bench with 10 points in just eight minutes during the first half. Marquette's offensive efficiency was highlighted by scoring 1.44 points per possession, while their defense held DePaul to a mere 0.79 points per trip.
The third quarter began with Charia Smith extending Marquette's lead to its largest, reaching 22 points (53-31) with just over seven minutes remaining. However, the tide began to turn. Despite Halle Vice's contributions, the Golden Eagles' performance started to waver. A pivotal 8-0 run by DePaul, followed by consistent scoring, significantly chipped away at Marquette's lead. The fourth quarter proved to be the most dramatic, with Marquette shooting an impressive 63% from the field. Yet, this offensive prowess was overshadowed by a staggering eleven turnovers in the final ten minutes alone, bringing their game total to 24. DePaul capitalized on this, intensifying their physical full-court trap, which Marquette struggled to counter.
With 8:38 left, Marquette briefly pushed their lead back to 16, only for DePaul to launch an 11-0 run, making it a mere five-point game with 6:30 remaining. Ally Timm emerged as DePaul's key player, particularly after halftime. Despite a quiet first half, Timm exploded in the third and fourth quarters, sinking six out of ten three-pointers. Her performance was instrumental in DePaul's comeback, narrowing the gap to two points with 1:30 left after a series of Marquette turnovers and a controversial non-call. In the frantic closing seconds, Halle Vice scored a crucial bucket for Marquette, but DePaul's persistent pressure and another critical foul call against Marquette's Bridget Utberg in the last moments set up a dramatic finish. Ultimately, despite a series of missed opportunities and contentious referee decisions, Marquette secured the win, a testament to their ability to endure pressure, albeit imperfectly. The upcoming challenge for Marquette is a trip to Washington, D.C., to face Georgetown on Sunday, February 1st, a team that previously handled them convincingly.
This game serves as a potent reminder that in sports, a significant lead is never truly safe. Marquette's struggle to maintain their composure and protect the ball in the face of DePaul's aggressive defense highlights the importance of mental fortitude and strategic adaptability throughout an entire contest. While individual performances, like Halle Vice's impressive stat line, shine brightly, the collective team's ability to execute under pressure ultimately determines success. This victory, though hard-won, offers valuable lessons for the Golden Eagles as they look to refine their game, manage late-game scenarios more effectively, and avoid replicating the near-disasters of their recent past. It's a testament to resilience, but also a stern warning against complacency.