Marquette makes key mental mistakes at end; Pondexter scores in final seconds to lift Washington

Marquette became the next upset victim as Washington's Quincy Pondexter scored in the final seconds to move onto the next round. Both teams shot the ball extremely well, including over 50 percent from the field and over 60 percent from the 3-point line.

The game was back and forth, with Marquette leading by ten points late in the second half, but the end of the game played in Washington’s favor. Although the stat lines are even, Marquette made a huge turnover with 1:02 remaining, and then they allowed Washington to get an offensive rebound after a miss.

The game was won on a play set up by a defensive play, which was hidden by the great offense. Washington’s Isaiah Thomas made a key deflection to force the game changing turnover. Marquette has to be disappointed with the way the game ended. They made key mental errors and allowed Washington to get back in the game and, later, to win it. A winning team cannot give so many opportunities to their opponent.

Washington wins 78-76 over the Golden Eagles in another NCAA tournament game going to the last shot. It has been an amazing day for upsets and game winning shots.

Marquette and Washington putting on 3-point show

Marquette and Washington are putting on a shooting clinic. They are both shooting over 50 percent from the field, and they are a combined 13 for 20 from the 3-point line.

The team that plays the better defense in the second half will come out on top. With both teams shooting well, the game is fast and high flying. The best defense can be pressing the opponent after a made shot or good footwork down low to force charges.

Marquette needs to keep shooting well, but the baskets aren’t their problem. The problem is stopping Washington. They don’t want to go bucket for bucket until the game ends. They want to force turnovers and make Washington take contested shots. When they score, they need to make Washington work to get to the other end of the floor.

Washington is in a similar situation. If they score, Marquette cannot easily stroll to the basket. They need to make the Golden Eagles shoot shots they didn’t want to attempt. The Huskies will need to continue to shoot well from the 3-point line as well. They are six for eight so far, and they haven’t been contested when they get the shot. Marquette 43, Washington 42.