The Marquette basketball team picked up an 86-65 win over the No. 12 Texas program at home on Wednesday, and Shaka Smart detailed what led to the win after a disappointing loss on the road against Wisconsin over the weekend.

“I told the guys in the locker room after the game that this really was the result not just of their effort and connectivity tonight, but whaat they were willing to put into the last few days,” Shaka Smart said, via the Associated Press. “There was some real conversation and reflection after Saturday's game. The difference between good teams and great teams is great teams are able to come together after adversity.”

It was a statement win for Marquette, and it came against the program that he used to be the head coach for.

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Basketball News
Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson celebrates after his team defeats the Tennessee Volunteers in a game Sunday, March 30, 2025, during the Elite Eight round of the NCAA March Madness tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Houston defeated Tennessee 69-50.
What Kelvin Sampson wants for schedule after Houston championship game lossLorenzo J Reyna ·
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Texas Longhorns at Amalie Arena.
South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley takes talents off court for new analyst roleErin Achenbach ·
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kevin Young looks on during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
BYU basketball, Kevin Young agree to long-term contract extensionJake Faigus ·
UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) looks to pass against North Texas Mean Green forward Grant Newell (8) during the first half at Dickies Arena.
Dusty May breaks silence on Yaxel Lendeborg additionScotty White ·
Fans walk by fandom of Pope Leo XIV with graphics before a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers at Rate Field.
Pope Leo proudly switches to Villanova hat during important Vatican meetingLorenzo J Reyna ·
As North Carolina Central gears up for the football season, off the field issues give the team a complicated start to the season.
North Carolina Central hit with wrongful death lawsuitRandall Barnes ·

Marquette basketball remains one of the most talented teams in the country, and they showed that in high-profile games in the Maui Invitational, along with the win over Texas. The loss to Purdue was a hard-fought game, and shows that they can go toe-to-toe with pretty much any team. The loss to Wisconsin was a disappointing one, but it was on the road in a tough environment against a team that is seemingly going to be solid in the Big Ten this season.

The last two games of the non-conference slate will be against Notre Dame and St. Thomas Minnesota, both at home. Then, Marquette will begin Big East play on the road against Providence on Dec. 19, which should be a great game. Providence is one of the toughest road environments to play in, and although the Friars are not ranked, they have looked very good this season.