Marquette outlasts Providence 105-104 in overtime at Fiserv Forum after late rally and free throws

A high-scoring Big East game turns on the final possessions

Marquette delivered a late push and escaped with a 105-104 overtime win over Providence on Monday, Jan. 19, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The result moved Marquette to 7-13 overall and 2-7 in Big East play, while Providence fell to 9-10 and 2-6.

The game featured 209 combined points and multiple lead changes after halftime, with both teams reaching 90 points in regulation. Marquette led 54-44 at the break, then saw Providence erase the deficit and take control for stretches in the second half before the closing minutes tightened into a possession-by-possession finish.

Key performers and how the game swung

Freshman guard Nigel James Jr. led all scorers with 38 points and added eight assists for Marquette. Providence received major production from Jaylin Sellers (season-high 27 points) and freshman Stefan Vaaks (career-high 26), with Jamier Jones adding 17 points.

• Providence shot 50.0% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range, while Marquette finished at 53.4% overall.
• Providence won the rebounding battle 42-30, including a career-high 15 rebounds from Oswin Erhunmwunse, who also recorded three blocks.
• Turnovers proved influential: Providence committed 17, and Marquette converted those into 27 points.

Final sequence: a tie at the buzzer, then a one-point decision

Providence held a 92-88 lead late in regulation before Marquette closed the gap. With two seconds left in regulation, Marquette drew a foul on a three-point attempt and converted all three free throws to tie the game 94-94, sending it to overtime.

In the extra period, the teams continued trading baskets. Providence took a 104-102 lead inside the final minute, but the game remained within one possession to the end. In the closing seconds, Marquette earned free throws and converted one with four seconds remaining to go up 105-104. Providence’s final attempt, a three-pointer at the buzzer, missed, ending the game by a single point.

The matchup underscored the volatility of tight Big East games: Providence’s efficient shooting and rebounding advantage were countered by Marquette’s ability to generate extra chances through turnovers and reach the line in decisive moments.

What it means in the standings

For Marquette, the win snapped a damaging stretch in conference play and provided a needed result at home, even as the team remains below .500 overall. For Providence, the loss added another narrow outcome in a season defined by close margins, despite standout individual nights from Sellers and Vaaks.