I still remember the first time I walked into the Al McGuire Center back in October, that familiar mix of polished floors and anticipation hanging in the air. This Marquette basketball season has been one of those special journeys that reminds you why college sports can capture our hearts so completely. When BELLA Belen made her commitment official back in the recruiting period, I knew we were looking at something different—a player whose defensive intensity could fundamentally shift our team's identity. Her announcement wasn't just another roster addition; it signaled a changing tide for a program that has been building toward this moment for three seasons under Shaka Smart's leadership.
The non-conference schedule gave us glimpses of what was to come, though I'll admit I had my doubts after that ugly 78-72 loss to Purdue in November. Our offense looked disjointed, and the defensive rotations were a step slow. But watching the team respond with seven straight victories, including that dominant 88-56 win over Notre Dame where BELLA recorded four steals, showed me this group had the resilience that previous Marquette teams sometimes lacked. What impressed me most wasn't just the winning streak itself, but how they were winning—with a defensive pressure that reminded me of those vintage Virginia teams, holding opponents to just 62.3 points per game during that stretch.
Conference play brought the real tests, and frankly, I thought the January 14th game against UConn would break us. Instead, it became the turning point. Down by 12 with eight minutes left, BELLA sparked that incredible comeback with back-to-back transition baskets off steals. The energy in Fiserv Forum that night was something I haven't felt since the 2013 Elite Eight run. From that moment on, this team played with a different kind of confidence—the kind that separates tournament teams from those who just hope to make it. They finished the regular season with a 24-7 record, including an impressive 15-5 in Big East play, good for second place behind only that powerhouse UConn squad.
What's fascinated me about this Marquette team is how perfectly BELLA's skills have complemented Tyler Kolek's offensive brilliance. While Kolek was putting up All-American numbers with his 15.2 points and 7.4 assists per game, BELLA provided the defensive backbone that allowed our offense to flourish in transition. Her 2.3 steals per game might not jump off the stat sheet, but watching game after game, I can tell you those weren't empty numbers—they were momentum-shifting plays that often came at critical moments. The synergy between those two has been beautiful to watch, like in that Providence game where they combined for 12 points in the final three minutes to seal the victory.
Selection Sunday brought both relief and excitement when we saw Marquette's name pop up as a 4-seed in the East Region. Some analysts thought we deserved better, but personally, I like this draw. Facing Vermont in the first round gives us a winnable game against a disciplined opponent that will test our defensive principles. If we advance, the potential matchups get interesting quickly—maybe even that rematch with Kentucky that would have Marquette fans buzzing. The path to the second weekend is there if we play to our capabilities.
As we head into tournament week, what gives me confidence isn't just the talent on this roster, but how they've grown together. I've covered Marquette basketball for twelve seasons now, and what stands out about this group is their collective toughness. They've won close games—eight of their victories came by five points or fewer—and they've bounced back from every setback. BELLA's emergence as a defensive stopper has given them an identity they can lean on when shots aren't falling, which every tournament team needs. The way they closed out the regular season, winning nine of their last eleven, tells me they're peaking at the right moment.
The beauty of March Madness is that anything can happen, but this Marquette team has the ingredients for a deep run. They have elite guard play, multiple scoring options, and most importantly, that defensive intensity that travels well in tournament settings. While I typically try to stay objective, I've got to admit—I love this team's chances to make some noise. They've got the look of a group that could surprise people and maybe, just maybe, make this a March to remember for Golden Eagles fans everywhere.