McNeal Leads Marquette to Big East Semis

Golden Eagles get career-high 28 points from junior guard in 89-79 defeat of Irish

By Jesse Andrews, Newser User

Posted Mar 14, 2008 3:50 AM CDT

(Newser) – Normally known more for his hustle on defense, Jerel McNeal scored a career-high 28 points in the Big East quarterfinals against Notre Dame, leading Marquette to an 89-79 win, reports the Chicago Tribune. Snubbed for conference awards, he helped knock off the Big East's player of the year‚ Luke Harangody, and coach of the year Mike Brey.

The junior won Big East defensive honors last year. McNeal's grade-school friend and backcourt mate, Maurice Acker, added 11 points, mostly in a decisive second-half run that gave Marquette a comfortable 10-point lead. Harangody suffered from foul trouble and ended with 13 points. The Golden Eagles advance to face Pittsburgh in the semis.

Marquette head coach Tom Crean encourages his players in the second half against Notre Dame. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Notre Dame's Rob Kurz, left, looks to pass around Marquette's Lazar Hayward in the second half. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Marquette's Jerel McNeal goes up for a shot against Notre Dame's Luke Zeller, left, and Kyle McAlarney (23). (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Marquette's Jerel McNeal, center, gets past Notre Dame's Zach Hillesland, left, and Tory Jackson in the second half at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

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McNeal Leads Marquette to Big East Semis

Golden Eagles get career-high 28 points from junior guard in 89-79 defeat of Irish

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McNeal Leads Marquette to Big East Semis

Golden Eagles get career-high 28 points from junior guard in 89-79 defeat of Irish

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

NCAA • NCAA basketball • Notre Dame Fighting Irish • Marquette Golden Eagles • Big East • Jerel McNeal • Luke Harangody • Maurice Acker • Mike Brey

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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Free Throws Help Marquette Beat Kentucky

Golden Eagles win first tournament game since 2003 Final Four run

Notre Dame Storms Back to Beat Pittsburgh

No. 21 Irish erase 11-point deficit to win 35th straight at home

Marquette Smokes Pitt in Second Half

Golden Eagles use 17-0 run to hammer No. 22 Panthers

WSU Denies Notre Dame

Cougars shut down high-scoring Irish

The Slipper Doesn't Fit George Mason This Year

Notre Dame outshines the Patriots, 68-50

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