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Free Throws Help Marquette Beat Kentucky

Golden Eagles win first tournament game since 2003 Final Four run

By Mitch Pritchard,  Newser User

Posted Mar 20, 2008 7:51 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Jerel McNeal did most of the work and Wesley Matthews sealed the deal as Marquette defeated Kentucky 74-66 today in the first round the NCAA Tournament, reports the AP. McNeal had 20 points and Matthews hit eight free throws in the final 31 seconds to put the Wildcats away.

Joe Crawford led Kentucky (18-13) with 35 points. Sixth-seeded Marquette (25-9) earned its first tournament win since 2003, when it also beat Kentucky—that time, in a regional final to go to the Final Four. The Wildcats cut the lead to 66-63 with 38 seconds left, but Matthews hit two free throws and Ramel Bradley nailed a 3-pointer for the Golden Eagles.

Kentucky's Joe Crawford looks at the clock just before halftime against Marquette during the first half of their first round basketball game at the NCAA South Regional today. Marquette won 74-66.
Kentucky's Joe Crawford looks at the clock just before halftime against Marquette during the first half of their first round basketball game at the NCAA South Regional today. Marquette won 74-66.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Marquette's Jerel McNeal gestures after Marquette's 74-66 win over Kentucky in a first-round game at the NCAA men's basketball tournament South Regional today.
Marquette's Jerel McNeal gestures after Marquette's 74-66 win over Kentucky in a first-round game at the NCAA men's basketball tournament South Regional today.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Marquette's Jerel McNeal, right, scores on a layup as he is fouled by Kentucky's Perry Stevenson during their first round game at the NCAA South Regional on today.
Marquette's Jerel McNeal, right, scores on a layup as he is fouled by Kentucky's Perry Stevenson during their first round game at the NCAA South Regional on today.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Marquette's Wesley Matthews, center, battles for a rebound with Kentucky's Derrick Jasper, right, as Ramel Bradley gets hit on the face during first round game at the NCAA South Regional today.
Marquette's Wesley Matthews, center, battles for a rebound with Kentucky's Derrick Jasper, right, as Ramel Bradley gets hit on the face during first round game at the NCAA South Regional today.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Marquette's Dan Fitzgerald, left, and Jerel McNeal embrace each other after Marquette beat Kentucky 74-66 in a first-round game at the NCAA men's basketball tournament South Regional on Thursday, March 20, 2008, in Anaheim, Calif.
Marquette's Dan Fitzgerald, left, and Jerel McNeal embrace each other after Marquette beat Kentucky 74-66 in a first-round game at the NCAA men's basketball tournament South Regional on Thursday, March...   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
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NCAA • NCAA basketball • SEC • Kentucky Wildcats • Marquette Golden Eagles • Big East • Jerel McNeal • Wesley Matthews • Ramel Bradley • March Madness • 2008 NCAA Tournament • Joe Crawford

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