This just in: McNeal Pretty Good: MU Smokes Cincy 84-50
Written by: hilltopper91@gmail.com (Kevin Buckley (Hilltopper))
Jerel McNeal set a career record, hitting 7 for 7 from behind the arc, finishing 8 of 9, 26 points, 5 boards and 6 assists in 31 efficient minutes to lead the Warriors to a 84-50 beat down of the Bearcats. To borrow a 1990s phrase: McNeal was en fuego.
Wes added 17, and Lazar had 16 (in 20 short minutes!)
Jimmy Butler saw extended playing time, as Lazar picked up his 2nd foul in the first 6 minutes, forcing Coach Buzz to use Butler until the half.
Marquette led by 14 at the half, but within 7 minutes of the 2nd half, had pushed the lead to 30, and Cincy's effort dwindled. This enormous lead enabled Buzz to play Otule extensively in the final 15, and Fulce in the final 5. Even doghoused Coobie got in for the final 9 minutes, although he never chucked up even one shot.
In short, Marquette won by shooting a blistering 54% from the field, and an amazing 60% from behind the arc. Shoot like that, and the sky is the limit.
Box Score (http://gomarquette.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2008-2009/mugame15.html)
Rosiak (http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/37069499.html)
AP Recap (http://gomarquette.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/010409aaa.html)
Photos (http://www.marquetteimages.com/viewphoto.php?&albumId=74080&imageId=2813557&page=1&imagepos=1)
Videos:
Alley-oop:
http://www.viddler.com/player/9e10f7e4/
Acker drains a 3 before the buzzer:
http://www.viddler.com/player/c5f19917/
Hazel Highlight:
http://www.viddler.com/player/7bf992bc/
http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2009/01/this-just-in-mcneal-pretty-good-mu.html