MUTV’s Brad Galli gives you an exclusive look at Marquette’s night at ESPNZone in New York before the BIG EAST Tournament begins. Check out Lazar Hayward and Jimmy Butler’s gaming battle as well as Coach Buzz Williams’ philosophy on fun. Plus: Rob Frozena vs. Maurice Acker in Air Hockey, Joe Fulce vs. Erik Williams, and more!

Todd Warner reports from New York in the Golden Eagles and Red Storm’s first ever meeting at Carnesecca Arena in Queens. Jimmy Butler hit his second game-winning shot of the year to go along with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Here what the guys were telling him after the game.

The Golden Eagles open their 2009-10 campaign with a victory over Centenary, 85-62. Buzz Williams credits Jimmy Butler’s hidden intelligence for his 27 point effort, comments on how he handles Jeronne Maymon, and discusses his happiness with the point guards.

In this week’s episode, host Brad Galli takes you through Marquette’s campus, highlighting the MSOE game, discussing Signing Day (Vander Blue and Jamail “Mellow” Jones are now Golden Eagles) with Buzz Williams and the Journal-Sentinel’s Todd Rosiak, and visiting with Jimmy Butler in an entertaining Golden Eagle Spotlight interview.

In the newest installment of MUTVSports’ weekly series, Todd Warner recaps Buzz Williams’ MSOE press conference, host Brad Galli profiles the Texas connection on MU’s team, Donnie Dwyer chats with the Fanatics about their new shirts, plus much more.

Game Recap

Reactions to Nova Loss & Looking Ahead

We have been at Madison Square Garden for about an hour here, watching the DePaul Blue Demons in their quest for win #2 in the BIG EAST season…after dropping their first 18. But enough about them, we’re here and gearing up for Marquette to take on the upset-minded St. John’s Red Storm. They took down Georgetown last night, and much like Marquette, they got 60 of their 64 points from their starters. The last time these teams played, on Valentine’s Day, Dominic James had 14 points. Jimmy Butler will need to contribute to the action even more than usual for a Marquette win. Against St. John’s, in 22 minutes of action, he dropped 9 points.

It will be interesting to see how Jerel McNeal comes out today. His “struggles” since ‘Nic’s injury have been well-documented.

But have no fear, the All-BIG EAST 1st teamer has been here before, and has faced adversity more than once in his illustrious career.

Tipoff is set for 1 P.M. CT, and MarquetteRadio has the call.

Be sure to check out MUTVsports.com after the game for plenty of postgame video, press conferences, and reactions.

MUTV’s “FaceOff” guys, Chris Gaulke, Brian Hoffman, and Joe Sitkowski, hand out their nominations for the “Marquette Big Ups of the Week” for the time between Friday, Feb. 20 and Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009.