MU’s bench players show improvement
Containing Andrew Rowsey, Markus Howard and Sam Hauser is the first order of business for any opposing coach facing Marquette.
That trio has 747 of the 1,083 points scored by the Golden Eagles (9-4, 0-1 Big East) this season heading into a game against Georgetown (10-2, 0-1) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.
But opponents might have something else to think about after the performance by MU’S bench players, led by freshman wing Jamal Cain, in the Golden Eagles’ 91-87 loss to Xavier on Wednesday.
Cain had 16 points and four steals in 29 minutes, all collegiate highs, against the Musketeers.
Along with freshman center Theo John, sophomore center Harry Froling and freshman guard Greg Elliott, the Golden Eagles’ bench scored 31 points. The previous season high for the reserves was 24 points in the blowout win against American and the victory over Vermont when Rowsey was not in the starting lineup.
“Obviously Jamal was the one who shined the brightest. He was really good,” MU coach Steve Wojciechowski said.
“I thought Harry, Greg and Theo all gave us positive minutes. Those guys continue to grow.”
Cain shot 5 of 8 against Xavier, including 4 of 6 on three-pointers while finding open spots in the corners. He was 6 of 19 from behind the arc heading into the game.
The 6-foot-7 Cain also used his long arms and athleticism to be disruptive on defense (two blocks to go with his four steals) and sky for four rebounds. The most minutes he had played previously was 25 against Georgia.
“He just keeps getting a little better, so do the other young guys,” Wojciechowski said.
That includes Froling, who pulled down eight rebounds, including five on the offensive end, in 20 minutes against Xavier.
The 6-11 Australian also showed glimpses of his playmaking ability with three assists and also a nifty reverse layup. Froling is still knocking the rust off, playing in three games with MU after sitting out a year as a transfer from Southern Methodist.
John and Elliott had quieter games but flashed their ability.
John showed that he is learning how to use his 6-9, 245-pound frame down low by hitting both his shots in the post, including a nice, left-handed jump hook.
Elliott scored eight points on four shots in 16 minutes. He sunk both of his three-point attempts after starting the season 1 of 10 from behind the arc. The long-limbed Elliott also provided his usual stout defense against the Musketeers’ tough perimeter players.
The showing by Cain and the other bench players definitely caught Xavier coach Chris Mack by surprise.
“We gave up some looks to some of their freshmen, who stepped up,” Mack said. “Didn’t necessarily have that on the stat sheet prior to (the game).”
Upcoming foes will likely be ready for Cain and Co. now.
JOURNAL SENTINEL