Commercial Roof Repair in Columbia, SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of South Carolina (Southern Glazer’s), a leading wine and spirits distribution company, today announced plans to relocate operations to Lexington County. The company is investing $80 million to build a new, state-of-the-art distribution facility.

Southern Glazer’s is a leading distributor of beverage alcohol and a family-owned company, with operations in 44 states as well as the District of Columbia and Canada. In 2022, Southern Glazer’s was listed as one of Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity.

Relocating operations from Columbia to Saxe Gotha Industrial Park, Southern Glazer’s will build a new distribution facility that will ultimately replace the company’s current operations. The new Lexington County facility will help the company meet growing demand and better serve customers and suppliers in the market for the future.

QUOTES

“This investment will result in a truly world-class facility that is designed to continue to grow with our business over the long-term. In addition to industry-leading distribution capabilities to serve our valued customers and suppliers, the facility will feature updated offices and amenities that make it an even greater place for our employees to work. Kudos to our South Carolina real estate and leadership teams for collaborating with state, county and local stakeholders to make this great project a reality.”-Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of South Carolina General Manager Steve Baker

“Congratulations to Southern Glazer’s on relocating to a larger facility in South Carolina. We are proud they have found success in South Carolina and are building upon their momentum with a new distribution center.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“We are excited Southern Glazer’s chose to invest in Lexington County to accommodate their market growth. Congratulations, and we look forward to Southern Glazer’s continued accomplishments as a valued member of our state’s world-class logistics industry.”-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Lexington County is honored to announce the addition of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of South Carolina to our growing portfolio of companies located in the Saxe Gotha Industrial Park. With its new, state-of-the-art distribution center, the company will not only be delivering products to its customers but also opportunities for our skilled workers. We look forward to celebrating Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of South Carolina’s future home as the company expands its presence in our community.”-Lexington County Council Chairwoman Beth Carrigg

“We congratulate Southern Glazer's on their plan to build a new distribution center in Lexington County. The company joins an elite group of businesses that have experienced success and growth at the Saxe Gotha Industrial Park.” -Central SC Alliance Chairman Matthew Shaffer

FIVE FAST FACTS

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Major improvements are on the way to South Carolina State University Campus.

On the list of improvements is a new transportation system that will also benefit locals in the Orangeburg County area.

About 13 million dollars in federal funding along with a 2.5 million dollar match from the state will go into enhancements for the Clyburn Transportation Center.

These enhancements mean SC state is keeping up with the skills and training of the future.

School officials are looking to also bring in classes that would be geared toward the transit field.

Officials are hoping for new and major improvements coming to the campus, starting with the James E. Clyburn Transportation Center.

“That center is going to be an education center for people that’s concerned about transportation. It’s going to bring in exhibits and bring in people hopefully nationally,” said Dr. Jerald Smalls, the Chief Financial Officer at SC State University.

The facility will also provide transportation for locals living in Orangeburg County.

“We can only think that would help us grow and just the avenue of having one of our local HBCUs become the forefront of transportation in the southeast is huge for us,” said Harold Young, the county administrator.

SC State officials are hoping to have the 35 thousand-square-foot project out for bid by this summer.

Also, on the list for major improvements is the Queens Village. The apartment complex is made up of seven cottages that have been left vacant for decades now.

Dr. Smalls explained, “It was lodging for some of the families back then but we’re going to bring it back in a very nice environment. Palm trees and all that kind of stuff and make it for some of our student representatives.

Also, on the list is renovating the upper levels of Sojourner Truth Hall.

The university has only been able to house students on the lower levels because the upper floors weren’t accessible to fire trucks.

That’ll open up about 200 beds for incoming students. Dr. Smalls says these renovations will have a positive impact on student enrollment.

“Right now, applications are at 10 thousand, 10 thousand. Our enrollments are around hovering around close to 3 thousand so you can see that’s a massive amount of interest. Out of that, we’ve accepted, I think around 5 thousand right now. So, we are excited about that enhanced interest,” said Dr. Smalls.

The student center is also getting enhancements to the inside, bringing more technology and safety features.

Next is the student pavilion, which will be a 50-foot by 80-foot concrete pad with a 50-foot by 40-foot structure covering the end closest to the Student Center.

“I came when the student center was actually being updated and renovated. So, to see that they’re going to be bringing more renovations to it. I am super excited about that,” said Kentasia Brown, a student at SC State University.

Renovations for the student center, Sojourner Truth Hall, the pavilion, and Queen Village are expected to be complete in the Summer of 2024.

School leaders say while this is a start to major improvements on campus there is much more work to be done.

They’ve submitted a proposal to state legislators for more funding to enhance the library and classrooms. The total asking price is 225 million dollars.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Presbyterian College softball team was bested by a South Carolina antagonist that was firing on all cylinders Tuesday night, ending the eighth all-time meeting with a 9-1 final decision that favored the Gamecocks. PC's overall record now stands at 17-6 in what was the 15^th matchup against a Southeastern Conference opponent in program history.

NOTABLES - Senior shortstop Layna Johnson brought in her fifth RBI of the campaign in the top of the 3^rd inning during the two sides' first encounter since 2017, scoring third baseman Ciara Hanson who previously reached on a sharply-hit infield ball two plays earlier.

- Jenna Greene and Morgan Hess split time in the circle against a nonconference foe that has already eclipsed 20 wins thanks to separate streaks of 14 and seven straight victories. In the end, Greene was given the loss after the Gamecocks produced six runs in the game's first two frames.

HOW IT HAPPENED - USC's Jordan Fabian accounted for just the third home run allowed by the Blue Hose all season in their 23^rd outing, putting the home side in front by one after the first chapter. The Gamecocks remained aggressive in the next stanza, translating to a four-hit sequence that pushed the deficit to six.

- Johnson's run-scoring double in the 3^rd gave Presbyterian some breathing room, although the South Carolina pitching tandem of Leah Powell and Jori Heard were able to keep PC off the board the rest of the way. The latter was granted the win after three full innings of work, facing 12 batters.

- An RBI base hit in the bottom of the 4^th brought the advantage back to where it originated earlier, while the Gamecocks ended the contest in the 6^th on consecutive sacrifice flies. The result increased USC's record to 14-3 when competing in Columbia.

NEXT UP - A four-game tournament hosted by East Carolina will represent the final nonconference sequence of the semester for the Blue Hose until Big South play commences the following weekend, participating in a pair of games this Saturday and Sunday in Greenville.

- Presbyterian will look to make it 3-0 all-time against Cleveland State at 10:00 a.m. on the 18^th, segueing into a 12:30 matchup against Ohio State immediately thereafter. A second date with CSU on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. sets the stage for PC to wrap up the tourney against the hosting Pirates at approximately 2:00.

Ready to find that pot of gold?

St. Patrick’s Day is on Friday, but there are multiple events and activities slated in Columbia this week. From bar crawls to 5K runs, there should be something for nearly everyone to enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day.

Here are five ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Columbia area.

When: Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: In Five Points on Devine Street, Harden Street, Green Street, Saluda Avenue, Santee Avenue

Come celebrate 41 years of St. Pat’s in Five Points on Saturday. The premier St. Patrick’s Day event in Columbia routinely draws as many as 40,000 people, so prepare for crowds.

The day kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K, a 10K and 1-mile family fun run. Then line up along the streets with thousands of others to view the St. Pat’s Parade, which starts at 10 a.m. at Devine Street and Sims Avenue.

National, regional and local bands will hit four different stages starting at noon and will play through 7 p.m. Some of the performers will include Moon Taxi, Hippo Campus, Nate Smith and Drivin N Cryin.

There will also be a Pot O’ Gold Playland from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for children that will include amusement rides, a magician, face painting, balloon animals and more.

Tickets for general admission cost $25 until Friday, then will cost $30 at the gate.

For more details on St. Pat’s in Five Points or to order tickets, click here.

When: Friday starting at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Tin Roof at 1022 Senate St.

Come have a glass of green beer at the Tin Roof on St. Patrick’s Day. Live music starts at 5:30 p.m. with Davis & The Love, followed by Phillip Michael Parsons at 9:30 p.m.

When: Friday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Stone Retreat at 121 Alexander Road, West Columbia

The Big Red Barn Retreat will host its first oyster roast fundraising event on St. Patrick’s Day. The event will feature a buffet provided by Haile Street Grill, live music and entertainment, along with raffles.

All proceeds will go toward Big Red Barn, a nonprofit that provides services to help veterans recover emotionally and psychologically.

Tickets will cost $60. To order tickets, click here.

When: Friday, 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Where: Liberty Tap Room & Grill at 828 Gervais St.

Come out on Friday night, Saturday night or both nights for the sixth annual Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl. The event will feature eight different places to visit that will offer drink specials and other activities. Check-in time is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Liberty Tap Room.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Participating locations:

When: Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: MJ’s Grill at 5 Lake Carolina Way Suite 160

Party it up at MJ’s Grill this St. Patrick’s Day. The restaurant’s event will feature live music from The Killer Beez, a beer and food tent, a large seating area and plenty of Irish food and drink specials.

This story was originally published March 14, 2023, 8:00 AM.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Patten Seed Company, one of the largest turfgrass producers in the Southeast, today announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to Charleston County. The company’s $2.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.

Expanding its South Carolina footprint, Patten Seed Company will relocate its corporate headquarters from Lakeland, Georgia to an existing facility at 22 Westedge Street in Charleston. The new headquarters will centralize the company’s senior management team and create a marketing and technology hub. Additionally, the relocation, which is central to Patten Seed Company’s current Southeast operations, positions the company to take advantage of the area’s robust talent pool as it transitions from an agriculture-centered company to a vertically integrated, industry leader.

Patten Seed Company is a 100-year-old company deploying the same forward-thinking initiatives today that took a small seed store in southern Georgia to the largest turfgrass producer in the Southeast. The company operates one of its largest farming operations in Orangeburg, working with farms and facilities across the southeastern United States to ensure its products are fresh and readily available to landscapers and homeowners. Patten Seed Company also has a new retail location in North Charleston that offers its Super-Sodâ turfgrass brand and its extensive portfolio of innovative farm products, including two of the company’s fastest growing products, OMRI Listed Soil3 organic compost and Soil3 Veggie Mix.

Operations are expected to be online by the first quarter of 2023. Individuals interested in joining the Patten Seed Company team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $200,000 Set-Aside grant to Charleston County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

“Charleston County is central to our current footprint throughout the southeastern United States. As we continue to grow, it was important to centralize the senior management team and take advantage of a more robust hiring market and Charleston County fits that need well. Vibrant companies need vibrant cities.” -Patten Seed Company Chief Executive Officer Ben Copeland Jr.

“We are pleased that Patten Seed Company will relocate its headquarters to Charleston County. South Carolina continues to attract innovative companies that expand our agribusiness industry, and Patten Seed Company will add to that roster. We look forward to their continued success in South Carolina.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“It’s great when an agribusiness such as Patten Seed Company decides to plant more roots in South Carolina. We welcome Patten Seed Company to Charleston County’s vibrant business environment and look forward to the company’s success.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Patten Seed Company’s new headquarters operation is a fantastic addition to South Carolina’s thriving agribusiness community. With its rich history and regional reach, Patten Seed Company will contribute jobs, support existing farmers and strengthen our economy.” -South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers

“With a $2.2 million investment and the creation of 40 new jobs, Patten Seed Company remains a leading player in the turfgrass industry. Patten Seed Company's forward-thinking initiatives continue to pave the way for success and prosperity, and we welcome them to their new home in Charleston County.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III

FIVE FAST FACTS

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - South Carolina residents can help state health officials track the West Nile virus this spring and summer by submitting certain species of dead birds for lab testing.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control notifies local officials if the testing shows high virus activity.

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The amount of West Nile activity varies from year to year.

In 2023, 78 birds were tested from 21 counties, and nine were positive for West Nile virus. Two tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus.

On Sept. 12, 2022, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control confirmed 11 human cases of West Nile virus. Nine of the 11 confirmed human cases are from the Midlands region; six of those cases are residents of Richland County, as noted in the Sept. 9 news release about a West Nile virus outbreak in that county.

Along with the human cases, West Nile virus has been detected in 5 birds and 38 mosquito samples as of Sept. 2022.

“If you develop fever or other symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito, you should contact your health care provider immediately,” said Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina State Epidemiologist.

DHEC stresses the importance of paying attention to the most effective ways to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus:

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Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile when they feed on infected birds. After one to two weeks, infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to people and animals.

West Nile usually causes no symptoms in people but can also cause a fatal inflammation of the brain known as encephalitis.

Specifically, DHEC asks residents to submit recently deceased crows, blue jays, house finches and house sparrows that appear not to have been injured and are not decayed.

These species are more susceptible than others, making them good candidates for testing.

Deceased birds can be reported or submitted to local DHEC offices through Nov. 30.

To safely collect a dead bird:

For more information, including locating a local DHEC office for submitting deceased birds, visit scdhec.gov/birdtesting, call 803-896-3802 or email vector@dhec.sc.gov.

Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Tin Thanh Group Americas, a tire manufacturer, today announced plans to establish its first United States operations which will be in Allendale County. The company’s $68 million investment will create 1,031 new jobs.

Located at Walker Road in Fairfax, Tin Thanh Group Americas will build a new facility in Allendale County. Tin Thanh Group Americas’ South Carolina location will allow the company to manufacture and retread large commercial vehicle tires, as well as operate its commercial tire leasing program.

Supplying energy from reusable sources, Tin Thanh Group Americas will provide operations in recycled energy, closed industry-agriculture, recycled waste and tire leasing while serving the environment, energy, high-tech agriculture and technology markets. With a focus on sustainability, the company is committed to implementing sustainable practices to lower the carbon-emission level and provide a cleaner environment.

Operations are expected to be online by September 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Tin Thanh Group Americas team should email resumes to the company.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $1 million Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) grant to Allendale County to assist with the costs of site preparation and infrastructure improvements.

QUOTES

“Tin Thanh Group Americas is excited to make South Carolina home for its first location outside Vietnam and is proud to be South Carolina’s first Vietnamese company. With the assistance of the Department of Commerce, the SouthernCarolina Alliance and the officials at Allendale County, and the assistance of readySC, the decision was clear compared with the other locations that sought our project in the Southeast. Tin Thanh Group Americas looks forward to a long-lasting, fruitful and cooperative relationship with all of South Carolina.” -Tin Thanh Group Americas Chief Executive Officer Tran Dinh Quyen

“This announcement once again shows the world has taken notice of the many benefits of doing business in South Carolina. This major $68 million investment and 1,031 new jobs will be transformative for Allendale. We proudly welcome our first Vietnamese Company, Tin Thanh Group Americas, to the state and look forward to creating a long-standing partnership.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Today is another win for South Carolina! When clean energy companies such as Tin Thanh Group Americas decide to invest in our state, it is a testament to the talented workforce that contributes to the rapid growth of sustainable companies. Congratulations to Tin Thanh Group Americas on its first operations in the U.S.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Allendale County welcomes Tin Thanh Group Americas to our community, and we thank them for their investment in our future and our people. Each of the more than one thousand jobs will make a difference in the lives of a family in the region because good jobs and good economic development change lives. We look forward to working with this fine company, which is committed to sustainability and good values, bringing prosperity and progress to our area.” -Allendale County Council Chairman Matthew Connelly

“SouthernCarolina Alliance welcomes Mr. Tran and the Tin Thanh Group Americas to our region, where they plan to build their first facility in the U.S. The jobs they are creating, and their capital investment will be a tremendous catalyst to growth in this rural area. Industries like Tin Thanh are the backbone of the regional economy and touch every aspect of the local community.” -SouthernCarolina Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer Danny Black

FIVE FAST FACTS

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Mattress Warehouse, a leading mattress company, today announced plans to establish a new distribution center in Lexington County. The company will create 108 new jobs.

Mattress Warehouse is an American retailer that sells mattresses across the nation. For more than 30 years, Mattress Warehouse has sold quality sleep products at an affordable price, providing a positive sleep experience to its customers. Mattress Warehouse offers a large selection of quality name brand bedding including Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Serta, Beautyrest, Purple, Casper and more. In addition to mattresses, the company sells pillows, adjustable bases, sheets, mattress protectors, bed frames, platform beds and other sleep accessories. Mattress Warehouse also utilizes technology to improve the customer shopping experience such as the use of the patented diagnostic system, bedMATCH, which recommends the mattresses best suited for each individual’s support needs.

With current retail operations in the state, Mattress Warehouse’s Lexington County facility will serve as the company’s first distribution center in South Carolina. Located at 803 Industrial Park in West Columbia, the new facility will support existing and future retail locations in the region.

Operations are expected to be online by early 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Mattress Warehouse team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“Mattress Warehouse is very excited to be part of Lexington County as we continue to grow into South Carolina. This is an important part of our growth strategy and we look forward to serving the communities in South Carolina through the addition of employment opportunities as well as improving the lives of our guests through quality sleep.” -Mattress Warehouse President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Papettas

“Congratulations to Mattress Warehouse for establishing a new distribution center in Lexington County. The 108 new jobs will make a big difference in the Lexington County community and South Carolina.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“This announcement is proof that South Carolina continues to attract name brand companies to its growing logistics and distribution sector because of the state’s robust infrastructure network. We welcome Mattress Warehouse to Lexington County and look forward to the company’s success.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“On behalf of Lexington County Council, we proudly welcome Mattress Warehouse to 803 Industrial Park, strategically located within our thriving community. The jobs created as a part of this project will be a welcomed addition to our diversified inventory, and we look forward to the company’s success in Lexington County.” -Lexington County Council Chairwoman Beth Carrigg

“Mattress Warehouse is a welcomed addition to the growing portfolio of companies locating in Lexington County. This new distribution center at 803 Industrial Park is a perfect match for both the company and community, as the park’s central location and access to logistics means products can be efficiently transported and workers can easily commute. Congrats to Mattress Warehouse and our partners in Lexington on today’s announcement.” -Central SC Alliance Chairman Matthew Shaffer

FIVE FAST FACTS

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A $1.3 billion incentive package to entice Scout Motors to build a plant in the Town of Blythewood has passed the S.C. House of Representatives and is heading to Governor Henry McMaster’s desk.

The package passed with a final vote of 100-12 on Wednesday after the Senate approved the bill on Tuesday, March 14. The plant will possibly bring 4,000+ new jobs to Richland County.

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After one more vote in the House, 100-12, South Carolina’s $1.3B incentive package for Scout Motors’ new EV production plant in Richland Co. officially heads to Gov. @henrymcmaster’s desk ?? https://t.co/AziTkc5IHl pic.twitter.com/fSlZ0InuBK

— Mary Green (@MaryGreenNews) March 15, 2023

WIS State House reporter Mary Green says McMaster is in favor of the package and is expected to sign the bill.

RELATED / S.C. used $1.2B incentives package to bring Scout Motors to Blythewood

The Department of Commerce provided a breakdown of how the money would be used:

Governor Henry McMaster said the expense of the incentives package was worth it.

“You always have to spend money to make money. There have been other investments years ago if you count inflation as part of it they were mighty big. They were thought to be mighty big at the time. Actually, there was some opposition to them. But the time has proven those were wise decisions,” he said.

Scout Motors President and CEO Scott Keogh said the company looked at 74 sites and credited South Carolina’s speed.

“From the moment of the conversations to today is just over two months, so the state was very, very, professional,” he said.

Many residents are apprehensive about the potential manufacturing plant, noting how a drastic change in the area would potentially transform the small town feel Blythewood has been known for.

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Golden Eagles and Bulls play Friday morning in Columbia, S.C.

By: Communications

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Marquette women's basketball team (21-10, 13-7 BIG EAST) begins NCAA tournament play this weekend as it takes on 8-seed South Florida (26-6, 15-1 AAC) in the first round on Friday, March 17. The Golden Eagles and the Bulls will tip-off at 10:30 a.m. (CT) from Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 with Courtney Lyle (play-by-play) and Carolyn Peck (analyst) on the call. A link to live stats is available on GoMarquette.com.

The Golden Eagles earned an at-large bid for what will be their 14th all-time NCAA tournament appearance after going 21-10 overall with a 13-7 mark in BIG EAST play to finish fifth in the league standings. Led by All-BIG EAST First Team honorees Chloe Marotta and Jordan King, this will be Marquette's first appearance in the Big Dance since 2020-21, and its second under head coach Megan Duffy.

South Florida enters the tournament with a 26-6 overall record, and it won the American Athletic Conference regular season title with a 15-1 mark in league play before being upset by 8-seed Wichita State in the conference quarterfinals. The Bulls made last year's NCAA tournament as a 9-seed, losing in the first round.

USF is led by guard Elena Tsineke, a senior who is averaging a team-best 18.0 points to go along with 3.1 assists per contest. Senior forward Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu ranks fifth in the NCAA with 12.3 rebounds per outing, while junior guard Aerial Wilson averages a team-best 4.5 assists.

Marquette and South Florida have met up 21 times, and were previously conference mates in both Conference USA and the BIG EAST. The Golden Eagles hold a 16-5 advantage in the series, though the sides haven't met up since 2013.

SCOUTING THE BULLS

• South Florida enters the tournament with a 26-6 overall record, and won the American Athletic Conference regular season title with a 15-1 mark in league play.

• After earning the 1-seed in the AAC Tournament, USF fell in the quarterfinal round to 8-seed Wichita State 65-53 on March 7.

• USF is 2-4 in neutral site games this year.

• The Bulls are making their ninth NCAA tournament appearance, and made the field as a 9-seed last season before suffering a 78-66 loss to Miami in the first round.

• The team has been led by guard Elena Tsineke, a senior who is averaging a team-best 18.0 points to go along with 3.1 assists per contest. Senior forward Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu ranks fifth in the NCAA with 12.3 rebounds per outing, while junior guard Aerial Wilson averages a team-best 4.5 assists.

• The Bulls rank fourth in the NCAA in rebound margin at +10.5, and are 31st in 3-point percentage shooting 25.5 percent from behind the arc. They average 71.0 points per game while allowing 59.3 this season.

ALL-TIME SERIES AGAINST SOUTH FLORIDA

• Saturday's meeting will be the 22nd all-time between Marquette and South Florida, a series which dates back to 1996.

• Marquette holds a 16-5 advantage in the series.

• The teams were conference mates in Conference USA and the BIG EAST from 1995-2013.

• MU and USF last met up in 2013, a 58-48 South Florida win.

Last 5 Meetings

DATE LOCATION RESULT SCORE

1/26/13 A L 48-58

2/14/12 H L 48-61

1/16/11 A W 61-55

2/9/10 H W 63-50

2/3/09 A W 71-56

STARTING FIVE

• The Golden Eagles are 53-23 against BIG EAST opponents under Coach Duffy.

• Coach Duffy is off to the best coaching start through four seasons of any coach in program history. She boasts a 87-36 overall mark (.707) at Marquette.

• The Golden Eagles are 74-3 under Coach Duffy when leading at halftime and 56-8 when they turn the ball over the same or fewer times than their opponent.

• MU is 46-4 when scoring more than 70 points under Coach Duffy and 55-5 when shooting more free throws than its opponent.

• In the 123 games of the Coach Duffy era, the Golden Eagles have out-rebounded their opponent 96 times.

TOURNAMENT HISTORY

• This will mark the 14th all-time NCAA tournament appearance for Marquette, and its first since the 2020-21 season.

• It's the second time MU has gone dancing during Coach Duffy's four-year tenure, though the team was in position to earn a bid before COVID canceled the 2020 tournament.

• Marquette is 6-8 all-time in first round games, but has advanced in five of its past seven appearances.

• This is the second time the Golden Eagles have earned the 9-seed, previously doing so in 2004 when they defeated Old Dominion in the opening round 67-64.

BIG EAST TOURNAMENT RECAP

• In the BIG EAST Tournament last week at Mohegan Sun Arena, the Golden Eagles defeated St. John's 57-47 in the quarterfinals to advance to their seventh-straight semifinal round, before falling 81-52 to eventual tournament champ No. 9 UConn.

• Against 4-seed St. John's, the Golden Eagles used a late surge and big scoring performances from Chloe Marotta, Jordan King and Liza Karlen to secure the win, as the trio combined for 50 points. Marotta led MU in both scoring and rebounding, going for 18 points and 14 boards, while King and Karlen finished with 16 points apiece.

• Against the 1-seed Huskies, the Golden Eagles struggled to get things going on offense and were unable to overcome a slow start. They found some offensive rhythm late in the contest, but it was too little too late as the team's top two scorers were limited to just seven combined points.

BATTLE TESTED

• Marquette has plenty of experience playing against the best this season, as 15 of its 31 games have been against teams in the NCAA Tournament field.

• The Golden Eagles earned their two highest-ranked wins in program history this season, defeating No. 3 Texas 68-61 on Nov. 19, and taking down No. 4 UConn 59-52 on Feb. 8.

• The BIG EAST landed five of its 11 teams in the 68-team tournament field, the most since the league's realignment in 2013. Joining Marquette in the dance is 2-seed UConn, 4-seed Villanova, 6-seed Creighton and 11-seed St. John's.

ALL-BIG EAST HONORS

• The senior duo of Jordan King and Chloe Marotta were each named to the All-BIG EAST First team, the league office announced Thursday morning, the first time that Marquette has ever had two first-teamers in the same season.

• King was a unanimous selection to the All-BIG EAST First Team after leading the team with 16.3 points and 3.9 assists per game, ranking seventh and fifth in the league in those categories, respectively. King also led the squad in 3-point percentage as she hit 37.5 percent of her shots from distance, and averaged a team-best 1.9 steals per contest.

• Marotta also landed a spot on the All-BIG EAST First Team after averaging career-bests in almost every statistical category this year. She led MU's efforts on the glass with 8.9 rebounds per contest, ranking third in the BIG EAST. She also ranked second on the squad and 12th in the league in scoring at 14.8 points per outing while shooting 46.3 percent from the floor, the most efficient mark on the squad.

FRESHMAN FIREPOWER

• The freshman pair of Emily La Chapell and Mackenzie Hare were each named to the BIG EAST All-Freshman Team, the first time that Marquette has had two freshmen earn that honor in the same season since Natisha Hiedeman and Allazia Blockton in 2015-16.

• La Chapell was a unanimous selection to the All-Freshman Team after bursting on to the scene this year. She made 17 starts for the Golden Eagles, including each of the final 16 games, and was twice named the conference Freshman of the Week. She ranked fifth among the league's freshmen with 5.1 points per game and third in rebounding with 3.0 per contest. She also ranked among the top-5 in assists, steals and blocks.

• Hare also landed a spot on the team after a stellar rookie campaign in which she ranked fourth on the team with 7.1 points per game. While coming off the bench and playing 17.5 minutes per outing, she was the league's fourth-leading freshman scorer and led all BIG EAST freshmen with 45 made 3-pointers. She was named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week after going for back-to-back games of 23 points and 18 points against Seton Hall and Xavier.

UP NEXT FOR MU

• If Marquette wins, it will face the winner of top-overall seed South Carolina and 16-seed Norfolk State in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday, March 19, at Colonial Life Arena.

• Time and television info for the game will be announced following the conclusion of Friday's slate of games. A link to live stats will be available on GoMarquette.com.