[Cracked Sidewalks] McNeal Destroys Notre Dame

[CrackedSidewalksSays]

McNeal Destroys Notre Dame

Written by: mu_hilltopper

UPDATED

Jerel McNeal went off for 28 points to defeat #14 Notre Dame in the 2nd round of the BET, in what is the biggest post-season victory for Marquette in the Post-Wade era. Marquette beat the hated Domers 89-79.

Marquette, down 10 early in the 2nd half, came roaring back to take and keep a 10 point lead. MU scored a whopping 57 points in the 2nd half. MU shot a blistering 52% for the night.

McNeal was beyond superlative, hitting 9 for 16, including 4 for 7 from long range. Lazar chipped in 16 and James 10. DJ had 10 points and you take a line score of 10/6/6 any day of the week.

Mo Acker started slow, missing his first couple shots, but he heated up, collecting 11 points with several daggers in the final 5 minutes.

Barro did a very decent job guarding ND's Harangody, who ended up with 13.

Marquette will face Pittsburgh, as the Panthers upset Louisville, who most picked to win the BET. Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Channel. 8:30 CST, ESPN.

Marquette white-washed Pittsburgh last month, beating them at the Bradley Center by 18 points. Pitt may have some tired legs, using 8 players in their OT win. MU used 11 players tonight, in regulation.

Fire up, Marquette!

• Wrap/Official Box Score
• Video Highlights
• Chicago Tribune's coverage of the game (mostly from an ND perspective)
• Separate story on McNeal by the Chicago Tribune
• Rosiak's Recap
• Rosiak's blog focuses more on the favorable matchups from the 6th seed. Lots of good stuff in Rosiak's blog (as usual)
• ESPN's video highlights of the game

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2008/03/mcneal-destroys-notre-dame.html

[Daniel]

I think McNeal has the best control of his body than anyone else on the team.  He had some spectacular slashes to the basket, readjusting his shot in flight etc.  He really has been awesome.