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Marquette looks to get back on track at home vs. UMBC

Dec 16, 2006 - 3:22 PM UMBC (4-6) at No. 22 Marquette (9-2) 2:00 pm EST

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- Marquette started the season in impressive fashion but has stumbled at home in recent games.

After starting 8-0, the 22nd-ranked Golden Eagles have dropped two of their last three home contests, but they will have a chance to turn that around when they face the University of Maryland-Baltimore County on Saturday.

Marquette began the season on a hot streak, defeating Duke and Texas Tech on its way to an unblemished record through its first eight contests. However, since returning for a month-long homestand, the Golden Eagles have stumbled.

Marquette sandwiched losses to North Dakota State on December 2 and Wisconsin on Saturday around an unimpressive victory vs. Delaware State on December 5. In a heated in-state battle with the then-No. 11 Badgers, Dominic James scored 19 points and Jerel McNeal added 16 as Marquette was defeated, 70-66.

After Saturday's contest, the Golden Eagles will face three straight non-conference opponents at home before their Big East opener against Providence on January 4.

Brian Hodges had 17 points for the Retrievers in a 72-51 loss to George Washington on Tuesday. On Saturday, UMBC will be playing in its third of four straight road games and its seventh contests away from home this season.

The Retrievers have lost both games against Marquette all-time.