TicketsJan. 4, 2009
MILWAUKEE (AP) Sophomores Larry Davis and Rashad Bishop scored a team-high 11 points apiece, but 15 3-point field goals by Marquette University dealt the University of Cincinnati an 84-50 loss in its BIG EAST opener Sunday afternoon at the Bradley Center.
Marquette (13-2; 2-0 BIG EAST) shot 54 percent from the field (27-of-50) for the game, marking the first time this season that an opponent has shot over 50-percent versus the Bearcats. Marquette hit nine of its season-high 15 3-pointers in the first half as the Golden Eagles jumped out to a 41-27 halftime advantage.
Freshman Yancy Gates and Davis combined to score 12 of Cincinnati's first 14 points, pushing UC out to a 14-12 lead with 11:42 to play, but that would be Cincinnati's final lead of the contest.
For the first time in his career, junior Deonta Vaughn was held scoreless, but Vaughn dished out a career-high 10 assists, becoming the first player since Devon Downey on Dec. 30, 2005, to record 10-plus assists in a game.
Jerel McNeal scored 26 points and hit a career-high seven 3-pointers to lead Marquette.
Cincinnati hosts Providence at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, in its BIG EAST home opener at Fifth Third Arena.