Donovan Dent shines as New Mexico upsets Marquette in March Madness

In a thrilling first-round matchup of the NCAA Tournament held in Cleveland, United States, the New Mexico Lobos successfully defeated the Marquette Golden Eagles with a score of 75-66 on March 21, 2025. The game was marked by a notable performance from Donovan Dent, who scored 21 points, contributing significantly to New Mexico's victory. Dent, the Mountain West Player of the Year, struggled initially, scoring just six points in the first half, but found his rhythm during the second half, helping the Lobos secure control over the game. Marquette, a seventh-seed team, came into the tournament with high hopes, especially with their star player Kam Jones, an AP All-America second-team selection. Jones had been a key player for the Golden Eagles, averaging 18.9 points per game during the season, and he was expected to lead his team through this crucial match. However, Jones faced a challenging game, missing five of his first six shots and managing only four points in the first half. His struggles contributed to Marquette's difficulty in maintaining momentum throughout the game. The turning point of the match occurred when New Mexico executed a critical 10-0 run in the second half, which was instrumental in breaking the game open. Dent's performance exemplified the team's ability to regroup and refocus as the game progressed, showcasing their resilience. Following the game, New Mexico's coach Rick Pitino remarked on the team's increased defensive stops and reduced turnovers, which were vital in sealing their victory. The Lobos outperformed Marquette in multiple aspects, including points in the paint, where they held a 38-26 advantage, and they also capitalized on foul shots more frequently than Marquette. This victory marks a significant achievement for New Mexico, as it is the first time since 1999 that the Lobos have advanced past the first round as a lower seed. Looking ahead, New Mexico will face second-seeded Michigan State in the next round of tournament action, and the team will aim to progress to the regional semifinals for the first time since 1974. The win not only reflects the Lobos' potential but also sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the NCAA Tournament as contenders emerge.