Marquette headed to Elite 8 with 71-61 win over Miami



WASHINGTON, D.C. (WITI) -- The Marquette Golden Eagles are headed to the Elite 8 following a win over the University of Miami Hurricanes on Thursday, March 28th.

The Golden Eagles earned the school’s third consecutive Sweet 16 bid after defeating the Butler Bulldogs Saturday, March 23rd.

Marquette students filled the Sports Annex on the Marquette campus on Thursday for the game -- hoping for a trip to the Elite 8 for the team.

“Nervous. I mean we’ve been here a couple times," Kristen Ward said.

As Ward settled in at the Annex, she said she knows that Thursday night's game could be something to remember.

“I’m also a senior so this is like you have a senior moment when you’re with all these people and experiencing the same thing. It’s wonderful," Ward said.

Next to Ward was Jake Hobbs.

“I’m hoping this year’s going to be the year. I think they can do it," Hobbs said.

Hobbs used the night at the Annex as a sort of group therapy, as he took part in the collective cheers and jeers.

“If I can watch it at home in my living room, I’d be cheering myself. But in here, pretty much every basket is a party," Hobbs said.

In each of the past two seasons, Marquette has made it this far, only to have the season come to an end.

Steven Wright believes history would change Thursday night.

“Three times is the charm. So you know, I’m really excited honestly," Wright said.

“I’m ready for them to move forward and I hope they can," Ward said.

Marquette next plays on Saturday, March 30th.