Kolek’s return a big assist for Marquette in opener

• Ben Baby, ESPN Staff WriterMar 22, 2024, 05:54 PM ET Close Ben Child covers the Cincinnati Bengals for ESPN. He signed up with the company in July 2019. Prior to ESPN, he worked for various papers in Texas, most just recently at The Dallas Early Morning News where he covered college sports. He provides day-to-day coverage of the Bengals for ESPN.com, while making appearances on SportsCenter, ESPN’s NFL programs and ESPN Radio programs. A local of Grapevine, Texas, he finished from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He is an adjunct journalism professor at Southern Methodist University and a member of the Asian American Reporters Association (AAJA).

INDIANAPOLIS– Marquette senior guard Tyler Kolek stated he didn’t need any time to settle in after missing a couple of weeks with an injury. But once he got rolling in the 2nd half, whatever turned for the No. 2 seed Golden Eagles.Kolek, who missed out on 3 weeks because of an oblique injury, dropped a double-double in an 87-69 win over 15-seed Western Kentucky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.Marquette removed a seven-point halftime deficit in big part due to Kolek. He completed the game with 18 points and 11 assists, with 10 of those being available in the second half.Editor’s Picks”All I got to do is capture it and throw it in the rim,”Jones said.”That’s what he does. He’s [an] All-American for a factor

. We require that from him. That’s what he did tonight.” Kolek, the NCAA’s leader in assists and a second-team AP All-America choice, had actually been out considering that Feb. 28 with what he described as a Grade

2 oblique stress. He went back to practice today and was a complete individual for 2 days, he said.Despite the lack, he stated he never felt like he ran out rhythm.”I’ve been playing this game a long period of time,” Kolek stated.”Once I hit the floor, some apparent jitters because I haven’t played because 3 weeks now, but I think 37 minutes, a lot of minutes in a game, so I thought I did all right with the wind.” The senior from Cumberland, Rhode Island, was held at bay in the very first half as the Hilltoppers (22-12 )rose to a 43-36 halftime lead. Western Kentucky senior forward Tyrone Marshall Jr. led a torrid finish to the half and scored 17 points in the opening 20 minutes.But after the break, Marquette (26-9)clamped down on Marshall. He had four points on 2-of-4 shooting in the second half.The difference, Marquette coach Shaka Smart said, was as basic as having fun with a bit more effort and being a bit meaner.” He was great with how aggressive he remained in the very first half,”Smart said.”It’s as fundamental as changing the search our face when we’re protecting him.

“The Golden Eagles likewise made a big adjustment to get Kolek more area. In the first half, Kolek stated Western Kentucky made it an indicate keep him out of the paint. Smart and Marquette changed by moving far from ball screens between him and the center and started working the offense between him and Jones.Jones scored 18 points in the

second half and Kolek had helps on 10 of the team’s 20 field goals as the duo nullified any hopes of a Western Kentucky upset.” We provided some open looks where we simply weren’t linked enough defensively with our interaction and those sorts of things, “Western Kentucky coach Steve Lutz said.”And they got going.Marquette will advance to deal with

7-seed Florida or 10-seed Colorado on Sunday in Indianapolis.Jones said that all season, the Golden Eagles have actually felt like a Final 4 contender. After three straight exits in the tournament’s opening weekend, they understand how challenging a deep run can be, too. However with Kolek back in the fold, things felt familiar for Marquette on Friday.” He came back in, got the ball, made the plays he typically makes and

we simply do what we do,”Jones said.” We’re pleased to have him and grateful to have him back.”