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Stevie Mitchell helps Marquette beat Central Michigan 70-62

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The Marquette men's basketball team learned how to win ugly early in the season.

The Golden Eagles' offense was sloppy Monday night against Central Michigan, but MU rode an opportunistic defense to a 70-62 win at Fiserv Forum.

MU (3-0) had four players score in double figures, led by Stevie Mitchell with 17. Kam Jones (12), Chase Ross (12) and Ben Gold (10) also reached double figures for the ranked Golden Eagles 15 are in the Associated Press and USA TODAY polls.

MU struggled to hit shots early, with both Gold and backup Caedin Hamilton picking up two fouls each in the first 10 minutes.

Freshman Royce Parham entered the game with the score at 15:15. He immediately knocked down a three-pointer.

That sparked a 21-0 run fueled by MU's aggressive defense.

Golden Eagles head coach Shaka Smart rewards distractions by scoring at least 32 goals in a game. MU surpassed that number and had 44 at halftime.

Jones had 10 points as the Golden Eagles took a 42-37 lead at halftime. Parham scored nine points and two steals in 11 minutes in the first half.

MU's offense stalled early in the second half, and Central Michigan cut its deficit to 53-45 with 10:24 left.

Jones was whistled for his fourth foul of the game and had to sit on the bench. The Chippewas hit a three-pointer to get within 53-48 before Ross hit a triple of his own to end Central Michigan's 10-0 run.

Jones came back with 5:13 left and MU led 60-54. He immediately hit two free throws to give the Golden Eagles some breathing room.

Gold then hit a crucial three-pointer to take a 65-56 lead with 3:29 left, and the Golden Eagles held on for the win.

The Golden Eagles finished the game with 65 deflections.

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