MILWAUKEE —  Fans packed into the Mecca Sports Bar and Grill in the Deer District Sunday, not just for food and drink, but to see where and who Marquette Men’s Basketball will play in the Round of 64 for the NCAA Tournament. 

What You Need To Know

  • Marquette was selected to participate in the 2022 NCAA College Basketball Tournament as a 9 Seed

  • They will play The University of North Carolina on Thursday in Fort Worth, Texas

  • It’s the team’s first appearance in the tournament since 2019

  • It's Shaka Smart's ninth NCAA Tournament appearance

It’s the Golden Eagles’ first trip to the Big Dance since 2019, and they got to celebrate the selection with their fans. 

“In some ways it’s almost like the perfect storm,” said Bill Sholl, Marquette Athletic Director. "As fast as everything went away, today’s one of those days where everything is back. We’re back enjoying each other’s company, obviously we’re here to enjoy the excitement of receiving a bid into the tournament.”

There were audible sighs when the team wasn’t selected as an opponent for Ohio State, Michigan State, or San Diego State, but when their name was finally called, as a nine seed against eight seed University of North Carolina, the Mecca erupted in cheers. 

“Is this a better day than Thursday and Friday when the opening round games are taking place? I’ll take all of those together,” Sholl said. "I just think it’s an incredibly exciting day for our program, for Milwaukee, and certainly for all of Marquette Nation.”

Head Coach Shaka Smart is leading the team to the big dance in his first year with the team, but he’s no stranger to the NCAA tournament. 

He’s been there nine times before. 

“We’re excited and I just want to enjoy the heck out of the time we have together as a team, and extend it as long as we can,” Smart said. 

Marquette Guard, Darryl Morsell, who transferred to the school this season, echoed the same sentiments. 

“All the work we put in through the year and the off season, we’ve still got a chance to fight in March,” Morsell said. "As long as we’re present where our feet are, living in the moment, and enjoying each other and just having fun for real.”

Although they know it will be tough, the team is hopeful that mindset can take them far.