MU beats Villanova 85-75 on Big Monday

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Led by Dominic James 25 points, No. 21 Marquette beat Villanova 85-75 on ESPN Big Monday night. Lazar Hayward had 15 points and nine rebounds, Jerel McNeal scored 14 points and Maurice Acker came off the bench to score 12 to give Marquette (21-6, 11-5 Big East) its fifth straight Conference win.

Scottie Reynolds led Villanova (17-10, 7-8) with 14 points. Villanova had a 7 point lead at halftime but Marquette was able to force 23 turnovers.
The Golden Eagles shot 10-for-23 from 3-points while Villanova tallied 2-for-15.

James might have played his best overall game for the Golden Eagles. He dogged Scotty Reynolds all over the court and he finished with a career high 6 steals. During a key Marquette run, James stole an inbounds pass and dribbled the to the top of the key area for a three. In a game of wild scoring runs, Acker followed with another three to push Marquette to a 6 point lead, 62-56, that they would not relinquish.

MU head coach Tom Crean said, “Reynolds coming off the screen is hard to guard. Dominic [James] was getting around the screens. He is the best I have been around at doing this. We did a good job on high pick and roll switches. We got burned a few times but overall a good job.
Crean was surprised to win on the road even though his team was outrebounded by 12. “We were +11 in turnover game. That is right where we needed to be.”

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