Marquette improves to 8-0 in Big East
Jan. 31, 2009 3:42 p.m.
Jerel McNeal scored 26 points and Marquette used a huge free throw advantage to defeat No. 25 Georgetown 94-82 Saturday. The Golden Eagles improved to 8-0 in the Big East and won for the 11th straight time.
Tied 52-52 with 14:32 to play, McNeal helped fuel a 19-6 run with a three-pointer and a layup that lengthened Marquette's lead to 71-58 with about eight minutes left.
"They are playing at a very high level right now," said Georgetown coach John Thompson III. "Especially Jerel."
Though the trend of clinching second-half spurts continued for the battle-tested Golden Eagles, it was Marquette's ability to attack the rim that helped decide the game.
Marquette was 30 of 38 from the free throw line including 20 of 25 in the second half. Georgetown made just 8 of 13 free throws.
Despite a lack of size, MU outrebounded the Hoyas' larger front line 31-29 and outscored Georgetown 15-6 on second chance points.
"We couldn't get stops," Thompson said. "They made tough shot after tough shot."
Wesley Matthews and Lazar Hayward added 23 points each for Marquette. DuJuan Summers paced Georgetown with 19 points.
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