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Marquette trying to put last season behind them vs. IUPUI

Nov 10, 2007 - 2:00 PM IUPUI (0-0) at No. 12 Marquette (0-0) 8:30 pm EST

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- Marquette is hoping to forget about last season when it opens the 2007-08 campaign on Saturday against IUPUI.

After ending the regular season with a 24-10 record - 10-6 in the Big East - and a berth in the NCAA Tournament, Marquette was eliminated after a disappointing loss to Michigan State in the first round. The Golden Eagles were held scoreless through the first nine minutes of the game en route to a 61-49 setback.

However, with Dominic James, Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews returning to solidify the backcourt, 12th-ranked Marquette could go much further this season.

The trio of junior guards has steadily improved over their first two seasons and are poised for a breakout campaign. James averaged 14.9 points and 4.9 assists last season to lead the group, but McNeal may be the most complete player, averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 2006-07. Not to be overshadowed, Matthews contributed 12.6 points and 5.3 rebounds.

In order to succeed this season, Marquette will have to negotiate the very difficult 16-team Big East Conference, which contains four teams ranked in the preseason top 25.

IUPUI begins its campaign with hopes of improving on a 15-15 record last season. The Jaguars ended their 2005-06 campaign with a 19-10 record and are hoping to return to that form in 2007-08.