Marquette’s Junior Cadougan (left) drives against Connecticut’s Ryan Boatright (11) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Milwaukee. AP
MILWAUKEE — Junior Cadougan scored 18 points – including a buzzer-beating, tying 3-pointer at the end of regulation – to lead Marquette to a 82-76 overtime win over Connecticut Tuesday night in the Big East Conference opener for both teams.
Davante Gardner added 18 points off the bench for the Golden Eagles (10-3). Vander Blue scored 13 points as Marquette won its 17th in a row at home.
Shabazz Napier tied his career high with 29 points and had eight rebounds for Connecticut (10-3, 0-1). Ryan Boatright added 16 for the Huskies.
Cadougan’s 3-pointer was the Golden Eagles’ first of the night after missing their first 14 from behind the arc.
The game was the first for Connecticut coach Kevin Ollie since he received a five-year, nearly $7 million contract extension on Saturday. Marquette was without head coach Buzz Williams, serving a one-game suspension for NCAA recruiting rules violations announced in August. Assistant Brad Autry filled in.