Hayward delivers in clutch as MU tops Providence

"People are probably going to think the reason we lost the game (to DePaul) was me and Lazar missed free throws," Cubillan said. "That's not the reason why. It shouldn't get to that point. We gave it away."

Less than three weeks after failing to deliver in the clutch Marquette’s seniors sacked-up and delivered in a thrilling 82-79 victory over Providence this afternoon. Lazar Hayward and David Cubillan combined for 41 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, and more importantly, refused to wilt in the game's final minute.

The Warriors’ fourth consecutive win moved MU to 6-5 in the BIG EAST and 15-8 overall. Marquette has now won back-to-back road games in conference play for the first time this season, both wins coming in games where the outcome was in doubt until the final seconds.

Does this team ever lose close games?

Today Marquette stormed back from an eight-point deficit early in the second half to seize an eight-point lead with two minutes remaining. Providence responded with a mad flurry of forced turnovers and conversions, pulling to within a point with 55 seconds remaining. With Uncle Mo' on the Friars' sideline, Darius Johnson-Odom delivered the game’s (season’s?) top defensive play when he blocked a Marshon Brooks layup with 47 seconds remaining. Lazar Hayward gobbled up the defensive rebound and in the subsequent possession claimed the offensive rebound off a David Cubillan miss with 15 seconds to play. Providence fouled the senior who then calmly drained both free throws to put MU up 82-79.

Clutch.

Hayward tied his career-high with 28 points today. The 6’6” senior from Buffalo also accounted for 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in 39 minutes of action. Senior David Cubillan added 13 points, 4 assists and a ferocious defensive effort to thwart PC's Sharaud Curry on the game's final possession. Jimmy Butler finished with 19 and seven, including two clutch free throws in the final minute of play.

Box score
The MU win from the perspective of the Friars Blog
ProJo Blog on the MU road win
Official PC recap