Yes, we gave up 100 points to Villanova. And 90 to Providence. And 91 to Xavier. But early in the conference schedule, there are indicators that the defense is improving.
Looking at Big East games only, Marquette ranks 6th in the conference in defensive efficiency per KenPom.com. (Last season we finished 9th.)
TO% is clearly the team's strength on the defensive end, posting the 2nd best rate (19.2) in the conference. That's offset by the Big East's worst 2P% and FTR allowed. No big surprise there; opposing teams have been able to drive on us and get to the line pretty much at will.
There's clearly still lots of room for further improvement. But progress is progress.