Marquette University Defeats Michigan State in Exhibition
The Golden Eagles secured an 86-79 victory over the Spartans at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Basketball
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Marquette University utilized a strong first half and significant bench production to defeat Michigan State University 86-79 in an exhibition matchup. The team dominated inside, outperforming the Spartans in rebounding and paint scoring.
Why it matters
This exhibition win serves as a key tune-up for Marquette, highlighting the depth of their roster as they prepare for the upcoming regular season. The team focused on physical play, specifically prioritizing rebounding efforts throughout the contest.
Marquette shot 65% from the field in the first half compared to 27% for Michigan State. The Golden Eagles also controlled the glass, ending the game with a 33-23 rebounding advantage.
The players
Marquette University
This private Jesuit university located in Milwaukee competes in the Big East Conference.
Michigan State University
This public research university based in East Lansing, Michigan, is a member of the Big Ten Conference.
Alex Egbuonu
He is a basketball player who contributed 14 points for the Golden Eagles in the exhibition win.
Adrien Stevens
He is a player for Marquette who hit two second-half three-pointers to protect the team's lead.
The details
Marquette bench players provided a major spark, outscoring their Michigan State counterparts by 30 points. Adrien Stevens contributed two critical three-pointers in the second half to keep Michigan State at bay despite Marquette committing 24 total turnovers.
Timeline
March 2026: Marquette defeated UConn at Fiserv Forum.
October 19, 2026: Marquette defeated UW Green Bay.
October 25, 2026: Marquette played Michigan State at Fiserv Forum.
November 2, 2026: Marquette plays Mercyhurst in the season opener.
Season Trajectory
This exhibition performance provides a final baseline for Marquette ahead of the 2026 Big East basketball regular season schedule. The results indicate that the team is relying heavily on bench depth as they look to build momentum for conference play.
Marquette's ability to get 39 points from bench substitutes suggests a deep rotation that could be vital for maintaining leads in the upcoming season. However, the high turnover count of 24 indicates an area that requires improvement to avoid giving away possessions against tougher opponents.
The takeaway
The Golden Eagles demonstrated that their bench depth is a significant weapon heading into the new season. Fans should look for the team to address their high turnover rate to ensure more efficient offensive possessions when the regular season begins.
What happens next
Marquette will open its regular season schedule on November 2, 2026, when the team hosts Mercyhurst at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Further reading
For more information on the team, visit Milwaukee Basketball.
Live Poll
After a strong pre-season performance, do you plan to attend more games this season?
