Marquette's NCAA streak on line at league tourney

MILWAUKEE (AP) — An eight-year run to the NCAA tournament could be on the line for Marquette at this week's Big East tourney.

The team that advanced to the regional finals last season is in danger of not making it at all this year. The Golden Eagles finished the 2013 regular season 17-14 and 9-9 in conference, including three straight losses to end the year.

The last two were especially painful in double overtime. Coach Buzz Williams says those close calls show the character of his players.

Marquette was the preseason Big East favorite. Williams figures the team probably has to win the league tournament to get back to the NCAA tournament.