Xavier Musketeers forward Tre Carroll (12) drives against Seton Hall Pirates guard Elijah Fisher (22) during the first half of an NCAA Big East conference basketball game between the Xavier Musketeers and Seton Hall Pirates at Cintas Center on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in Cincinnati. Xavier trailed 33-32 at halftime. NEW YORK – In his first season coaching in the Big East, Richard Pitino often praised Tre Carroll’s scoring ability and lamented Xavier’s shaky defense.
After appearing in the NCAA Tournament for four consecutive years, Marquette was unable to make up for being left off last season’s roster and is coming off a disappointing season.
For the second straight season, the Musketeers and Golden Eagles are together in the Big East tournament, but Wednesday’s opener contest is one without an NCAA spot.
Last season, the schools faced off 4-on-5 in the quarterfinals, which the Golden Eagles won. But this year is much different, as Marquette is ranked No. 7 and Xavier is No. 10, and the winner will face No. 2 seed UConn on Thursday.
Xavier (14-17) earned the lowest seed in the tournament and is headed for its second loss in three seasons. The Musketeers have allowed 80 points in 17 games and have lost 14 of those contests, including Saturday’s 91-78 loss to Villanova.
Xavier allowed 56.5% shooting in the regular season finale, the 12th time he allowed at least 50%. Xavier also allowed 13 3-pointers and 24 assists, and its defense negated Jovan Milicevic’s 21 points.
“We protect no one. We protect no one,” Pitino said. “We just hope they miss out. I love our people. They’re trying.”
After transferring from Florida Atlantic, Carroll averaged 18 points and finished second in the Big East behind Providence’s Jaylin Sellers. Carroll suffered a right hip injury during last week’s nine-point loss to Seton Hall and sat out Saturday, missing his chance to win the scoring title.
Carroll, who was named to the All-Big East first team, is playing every day. Once he settles in, Isaiah Walker will likely start after scoring 10 points on Saturday.
Following the departures of Kam Jones, David Joplin and Stevie Mitchell, Marquette (12-19) entered the tournament with three wins in its last four games, but is coming off its third losing season as a Big East member.
The Golden Eagles have allowed fewer than 70 points in each of their last four games and won 68-62 against No. 4 UConn on Saturday while allowing 35.6 percent shooting and forcing 16 turnovers in Ben Gold and Chase Ross’ final game of the regular season.
“It’s been a year where sometimes we’ve been good in one way and not good in another,” Marquette coach Shaka Smart said. “We need to put them both together to win in March.”
Nigel James Jr. scored 19 points on Saturday and had three 30-point games in his freshman season, including 30 points in Marquette’s 96-88 loss to Xavier on Feb. 14.
–Larry Fleisher, Field Level Media
