The Blue Devils put up the first two points of the game, but the Marquette Redmen drained a three-pointer for their first lead of the game at 3-2. Gaylord was playing some impressive defense, but the Redmen were able to break through again and again to maintain the lead. Three minutes into the first quarter, Marquette held onto their lead, but only by a single basket. Late action in the quarter nearly came to a standstill, and the teams remained separated by two points with less than :30 seconds left in the quarter.
First Quarter Score
Marquette Redmen: 10
Gaylord Blue Devils: 6
In much the same fashion as the first quarter, Gaylord started off the scoring in the quarter, and they closed to within one point of the Marquette Redmen. The Blue Devils had six team fouls early, putting the Redmen at the line whenever they were fouled and giving them the extra shots they needed to stay in front. Three minute into the second, the Blue Devils retook the lead at 13-12, but more fouls from their players kept sending the Redmen to the line. Luke Ogea was one of the leading scorers for Marquette, and he drained a late three to add to the Redmen’s lead. By the end of the half, the Blue Devils seemed worn out, and Marquette took full advantage of their fatigue, extending their lead to seven points.
First Half Score
Marquette Redmen: 20
Gaylord Blue Devils: 13
This time, the Marquette Redmen netted the first basket of the second half to extend their lead even further. 30-16 was the score just three minutes into the third quarter, and the Marquette fans’ cheers were nearly deafening, realizing that they were only 1.5 quarters away from winning the District Championship. The Redmen’s lead was locked in at 14 points as minute after minute fell off the clock. Gaylord got aggressive on offense, but missed an open dunk attempt and missed the rebound try, ensuring that Marquette would keep their momentum.
Third Quarter Score
Marquette Redmen: 30
Gaylord Blue Devils: 18
Shots from the Marquette Redmen just kept finding the bottom of the net after the start of the fourth quarter, and they added a quick six points to their total. Gaylord had to use one of their important time outs early in the fourth, leaving them with only three stoppages for the final minutes. It was 38-28 with just over four minutes left in the game, but they weren’t in the clear yet. The Blue Devils had some dangerous scorers on their team, but the Redmen’s defense was just too tough for Gaylord. Trying everything they could think of, the Blue Devils had made it a three-basket game, but fouls were once again coming back to haunt them by sending multiple Redmen players to the line for free throws. Gaylord used their second to last timeout with a bit over two minutes left in the game. 45-38 was the score with about 1:30 left in the game, and Marquette started to find themselves near foul trouble as well. As the last minute of the game ticked away, Marquette led by nine points, tasting victory with every second. With the last :30 seconds burning off the clock, Marquette led by 13 points, and the students filled the gym floor to surround their District Champion Marquette Redmen after the final buzzer sounded.
Final Game Score
Marquette Redmen: 52
Gaylord Blue Devils: 40
