In a refreshing shift from last season's eye-catching style of play, the Marquette Golden Eagles men's basketball team is embracing the art of winning ugly this year. With former stars Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro now lighting up the NBA, the focus has shifted toward resilience over aesthetic in Marquette's performances.

In their recent matchup against Central Michigan, the Eagles emerged victorious with a 70-62 win at Fiserv Forum, albeit not without struggle. The game lacked the fluidity and finesse fans had grown accustomed to, featuring less-than-ideal shooting percentages and some disjointed decision-making on the court.

Despite these challenges, the Golden Eagles, now ranked 15th in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY polls, are off to a 3-0 start this season. "We talk a lot about winning ugly with the team we have this year," said senior guard Stevie Mitchell, who led the team with 16 points. "We know that every game, shots don't go in, but we can still win. What it boils down to is getting into the nitty-gritty and giving ourselves opportunities to win."

Coach Shaka Smart has emphasized a gripping defensive strategy, encouraging active participation through deflections. Against Central Michigan, the team set a program record with 66 deflections, shattering the previous record of 56. "The way we play, we are very aggressive. We're willing to put two on the ball in certain situations," Smart explained. "However, we have to remain consistent with this approach."

Freshman forward Royce Parham also showcased his potential during this matchup, stepping up when fellow forwards Ben Gold and Caedin Hamilton encountered foul trouble. Parham played a crucial role in igniting a 21-0 run, knocking down a three-pointer and contributing a dynamic steal and dunk. Despite not finishing strong due to cramps, his nine points proved vital. Coach Smart noted, "He's a phenomenal offensive player—one of our best offensive weapons already."

However, the Golden Eagles face challenges on the offensive end, often leaning heavily on All-American candidate Kam Jones. After Jones was sidelined with foul trouble while the team held a slim lead, it prompted an immediate recall to collective urgency. Mitchell pointed out, "When Kam's out, we know we all need to step up."

The struggle to capitalize on good shooting opportunities has been evident, with players like Gold and David Joplin struggling to find their rhythm—shooting a combined 2 for 19 from beyond the arc. Coach Smart recognized the challenges the team faced, urging his players to maintain focus and not succumb to frustration, stating, "We are still a work in progress figuring out who the playmakers are beyond Kam."

With a three-point shooting performance of just 10 for 36 in this contest, the Golden Eagles hold a season average of 29.4%. "Those are shots our guys make in practice," Smart reminded fans. "They will make them in games, but we need to improve our offensive rebounding when we miss those."

As the season progresses, Marquette’s strategy appears clear: to embrace the grit of 'ugly' wins while working toward refining their offensive capabilities. "It's about winning ugly and not worrying about how impressive it looks to outsiders," Mitchell concluded. "We just want to win."

As the Golden Eagles push through this transitional phase, their tenacity will be tested, but their commitment to growth—both as individuals and as a unit—may just guide them toward a successful season ahead.