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Game Preview: Marquette Golden Eagles vs Little Rock Trojans
The Marquette Golden Eagles will look to bounce back at home when they face the Little Rock Trojans on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. This non-conference clash pits a Big East contender against an Ohio Valley favorite, offering bettors a test of efficiency and tempo.
Marquette (2-1) suffered its first setback of the season in a 100-77 loss to Indiana, where defensive lapses and cold shooting from deep proved costly. The Golden Eagles went 4-for-16 from three while Indiana hit 14-of-28, exposing gaps in transition defense and half-court connectivity. Coach Shaka Smart emphasized post-game that his team must defend the ball better and avoid stagnant possessions.
The Marquette Golden Eagles were led by Chase Ross with 19 points and reserve guard Nigel James Jr. with 16. Despite flashes of strong transition play, the Golden Eagles tallied only 10 assists, far below their season average.
Little Rock (1-1) arrives in Milwaukee after a 92-72 loss to Milwaukee on Monday. The Little Rock Trojans shot 48 percent from the field but were outscored 52-35 in the second half. Braxton Bayless led the Trojans with 19 points, while Johnathan Lawson added 15 and Cameron Wallace 12. Coach Darrell Walker praised his team’s first-half energy but admitted the defense faded late.
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Odds and Key Information
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread | Marquette -20.5 (-109), Little Rock +20.5 (-112) |
| Moneyline | Marquette -4250, Little Rock +1550 |
| Total | 157.5 |
| Venue | Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI |
| Time | Wednesday, 8:00 PM ET |
Marquette is a heavy home favorite with a double-digit spread. The total of 157.5 suggests a fast-paced matchup, consistent with both teams’ up-tempo styles. Line movement and alternate totals can be tracked at the college basketball odds board.
Little Rock Trojans Outlook
Little Rock has displayed offensive potential early in the season, averaging 82.0 points per game on 51.2 percent shooting. The Trojans also rank eighth nationally in three-point percentage at 48.5, demonstrating perimeter accuracy that can keep them competitive against higher-tier opponents.
Forward Braxton Bayless has been the offensive focal point, averaging 19 points per game on 63 percent shooting. Johnathan Lawson contributes versatile production with 15 points per game, while Jalen Cooper provides interior rebounding and secondary scoring.
Coach Walker’s group plays fast but must tighten its defensive rotations after allowing 92 points to Milwaukee. The Trojans struggle with defensive rebounding, giving up 14 offensive boards per game, which could be critical against a Marquette team that thrives on second-chance points.
Understanding totals and shot-rate correlation can be enhanced through the alternate total points guide.
Marquette Golden Eagles Outlook
Marquette’s transition-first philosophy under Shaka Smart remains intact, though the Indiana loss exposed the need for stronger ball pressure and more consistent spacing. The Golden Eagles have averaged 85.7 points per game and 24 free throws per contest, ranking in the top 25 nationally in attempts.
Chase Ross has emerged as an early leader, averaging 17.0 points through three games, while forward Ben Gold contributes interior balance with 10 points and eight rebounds per outing. The offense runs through motion sets that rely on quick reads and early paint touches before kicking out to shooters.
Marquette’s defense, which allowed 100 points against Indiana, typically performs better at home. The Golden Eagles have held opponents under 70 in both wins at Fiserv Forum. They’ll seek to re-establish pace control and ball movement against a Little Rock team that favors open-floor possessions.
Learn more about using efficiency margins in spread analysis in the NCAAB betting guide.
Key Matchup Table
| Category | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Offensive Efficiency | Marquette |
| Defensive Efficiency | Marquette |
| Rebounding | Marquette |
| Three-Point Shooting | Little Rock |
| Pace | Even |
| Depth | Marquette |
| Free-Throw Rate | Marquette |
| Turnover Margin | Little Rock |
Little Rock’s outside shooting could create scoring bursts, but Marquette’s edge in rebounding and half-court defense should define the game’s tempo. If the Golden Eagles close out effectively on shooters, the Trojans may struggle to sustain offense.
Betting Trends
- Marquette is 7-2 ATS in its last nine non-conference home games.
- The Golden Eagles are 5-1 straight up in their last six when scoring 80 or more.
- Little Rock is 6-2 ATS in its past eight road games versus teams from major conferences.
- The under is 4-1 in Little Rock’s last five games as an underdog of 15 points or more.
- Marquette is 9-0 straight up in its last nine November home games.
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Predictions
Marquette’s ability to dictate tempo and force turnovers should overwhelm Little Rock after halftime. The Golden Eagles’ depth and shooting balance make them a solid play to cover, though the high total may be inflated based on both teams’ efficiency regression.
Projected Final Score: Marquette 88, Little Rock 65
Spread Pick: Marquette -20.5
Total Lean: Under 157.5
If you’re evaluating high-spread matchups like this, consult the spread meaning guide for how to price large lines efficiently.
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Projected Final: Marquette Golden Eagles 88, Little Rock Trojans 65
Spread Pick: Marquette -20.5
Total Lean: Under 157.5
