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Marquette seeking revenge against Providence in Big East opener

Jan 3, 2008 - 3:10 PM Providence (9-3) at No. 11 Marquette (10-1) 9:00 pm EST

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) - No. 11 Marquette is likely seeking revenge on Thursday when they begin Big East conference play against Providence.

Marquette also opened Big East competition against Providence last season, suffering a 74-59 setback on January 4 despite being ranked in the Top 25.

The Golden Eagles are ranked high in the polls again this season and enter Thursday's contest on a six-game winning streak. Lazar Hayward scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds and Dominic James added 12 points as Marquette extended its winning streak with a dominating 77-37 victory over Savannah State on Saturday.

The pair have formed a dynamic duo as Hayward leads the Golden Eagles in rebounding, averaging 6.3 boards a game, while James, the team's leading scorer, is averaging 14.8 points.

Providence enters the contest on a winning streak of its own, picking up its fourth straight victory on Monday during a 83-78 triumph over St. Peter's College.

The Friars are averaging 87 points per game over their winning streak, which includes victories over Florida State, Sacred Heart and Brown.

Marquette will be the second ranked opponent Providence has faced this season after claiming a 67-51 victory over then-No. 18 Arkansas on November 16.