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Marquette Star Ross Injured Ahead of Key Game

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 16th 2026 at 8:01 GMT by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Milwaukee, WI - January 16th, 2026 - The Marquette Golden Eagles face a critical juncture as they head into a key Big East matchup against DePaul this Friday, shadowed by news of a recent elbow injury to senior guard Chase Ross. The announcement, released late Thursday, has prompted cautious optimism and strategic adjustments within the program.

Chase Ross, a cornerstone of the Marquette offense and a veteran leader for the Golden Eagles, sustained the injury during a team practice. While the precise nature and severity of the injury remain undisclosed, team officials confirmed Ross is anticipated to be in the lineup against DePaul. However, his performance and playing time will be closely monitored and potentially limited.

"We're monitoring it closely," stated head coach Shaka Smart during a press conference. "He's a senior, he wants to play, and he'll play. We just need to make sure we're smart about it and don't push him too hard." Smart's comments underscore the delicate balance the coaching staff must strike: allowing a vital player to contribute while minimizing the risk of further damage or prolonged recovery.

Impact on Marquette's Strategy

The injury to Ross presents a significant challenge for Marquette, which has ambitions for a strong run in the Big East tournament and beyond. Ross isn't just a scorer; he's a facilitator, a defensive presence, and a calming influence on the court, particularly in high-pressure situations. His absence, or even a reduced performance, fundamentally alters Marquette's offensive and defensive capabilities.

To compensate, the coaching staff is reportedly exploring several strategic options. Increased player rotation is at the forefront, with an emphasis on giving other players more opportunities to step up and contribute. This provides a chance for younger players to gain valuable experience and for less-utilized veterans to prove their worth. Specific names haven't been released, but scouts are keenly observing the practice reports to determine who might be thrust into more significant roles.

Beyond simply rotating players, the coaching staff will also need to adapt the team's overall offensive schemes. Relying on a single player - even one as talented as Ross - is rarely a recipe for sustained success. Marquette will likely need to incorporate more ball movement, look for opportunities to exploit mismatches, and encourage a more egalitarian scoring distribution. The effectiveness of these adjustments will be heavily scrutinized during Friday's game.

The Big Picture: Big East Implications

The timing of Ross's injury couldn't be worse. The Big East Conference is shaping up to be fiercely competitive this season, with several teams vying for a top spot in the NCAA tournament projections. A weakened Marquette, even temporarily, could significantly impact their seeding and ultimately, their tournament aspirations.

Several analysts believe that the injury could also shift the balance of power within the conference. Teams like Xavier and Villanova, who already present formidable challenges for the Golden Eagles, could see an opportunity to capitalize on Ross's diminished effectiveness.

Cautious Optimism and the Road to Recovery

Despite the concerns, there's a sense of cautious optimism surrounding Ross's recovery. The team's medical staff is reportedly working closely with him to manage the injury and prevent it from worsening. The initial prognosis suggests that, with proper care and limited playing time, he should be able to return to full strength relatively soon.

However, the long-term implications remain uncertain. The team will be proceeding with a conservative approach, prioritizing Ross's health and well-being over immediate gains on the court. The focus remains on ensuring that Ross's injury doesn't become a recurring problem, potentially derailing his senior season and beyond. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the full extent of the impact and charting the path to a full and successful recovery for a vital member of the Marquette Golden Eagles.