Marquette vs. BYU: Game Time, TV Schedule, Spread Info and Predictions

After the greatest comeback in NCAA tournament history on Tuesday night, the BYU Cougars look to keep their momentum going against the Marquette Golden Eagles in the second round of the NCAA tournament. 

The Cougars are led by a high-powered offense that finished 13th in the nation in scoring with over 78 points per game. They are fast and get out in transition as well as any team in the country.

But, they will need every bit of that speed against a physical Marquette team.  

The Golden Eagles quietly had a great season in the Big East. They aren't exactly slouches on the offensive side of the ball, scoring nearly 76 points per game, and they love to move the ball around to find the open shooter. 

Where: KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY

When: Thursday, March 15 at 2:45 p.m. EDT

Watch: CBS

Betting Line: TBA

Key Injuries (via Chicago Tribune)

BYU

Out: F Stephen Rogers (Knee), C Ian Harward (Illness), F Chris Collinsworth (Knee)

Marquette

Out: C Chris Otule (Knee)

Marquette's Keys to Victory

Force BYU into taking bad shots, and use Jae Crowder's size and speed to exploit the defense. 

Marquette is a more physical team than BYU is used to playing. The size and strength of the Golden Eagles is going to play a huge role in determining who will win this game. 

The important thing will be for them to defend the three-point shot and prevent BYU from getting easy baskets early to rattle its confidence. The Cougars were put on their heels against Iona because they didn't have the speed to keep up early. 

BYU's Keys to Victory

Hit shots early and control the paint.

BYU got in trouble against Iona because it was unable to hit shots and its defense couldn'tstop anything. A second-half surge saved the Cougars, but they won't be able to do that against a good defensive team like Marquette. 

Noah Hartsock was the difference against Iona, as the Gaels had no answer for him in the middle. He has to have another huge game to keep BYU's tournament hopes alive.

What They Are Saying

Marquette head coach Buzz Williams has heard the criticism about his team being smaller and less effective in the paint due to the injuries of Chris Otule and Davante Gardner, who will be back for the team in the tournament. He thinks that talk has been overblown. 

From the Associated Press:

"

“Everybody just says we’re little, and we’re going to get pulverized inside. And then if you study those numbers, actually we’ve been more potent in the paint than any other team we’ve played, except Louisville in our last game. I think our guys have done a really good job.”

"

It's hard to argue with him. The Golden Eagles don't have a traditional big man in the middle, but they get better production than most teams. 

Most Important Player to Watch: Marquette F Jae Crowder

He was mentioned earlier, but there is no more important player in this game than Crowder. 

His size and ability to hit shots anywhere on the floor is going to cause all sorts of problems for BYU. Unless the Cougars are able to put multiple bodies on him without sacrificing on defense, which is almost impossible, they are going to have to find someone who can contain him. 

Crowder has been the lynchpin in the middle for the Golden Eagles all season long, and will have to keep up the good work in the NCAA tournament for the team to get where it wants to go. 

Key Matchup: Jae Crowder vs. Noah Hartsock

It isn't often that you will get an early-round matchup between two of the best forwards in the country, but Marquette and BYU have been led by their dynamic big men this season (big men is being used loosely, since Crowder is just 6'6" and Hartsock is 6'8").

Crowder is the difference between Marquette being a good team and a potential Final Four team. He adds a wrinkle with which few teams can compete. He isn't afraid to bang down low, or stand outside and hit jump-shots. 

Hartsock is more of an inside player than Crowder, though he can step out and hit shots away from the basket. If he is controlling the paint, BYU can pull off the upset.

Prediction

BYU will put forth a valiant effort, but Marquette is too strong. 

Marquette 81, BYU 74

Follow @adamwells1985