MILWAUKEE, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Lazar Hayward produced a career-high 27 points Friday, 19 of them in the first half, lifting No. 23 Marquette over Western Carolina 94-77.
The Golden Eagles (9-2) bounced back from a 12-point loss to Tennessee Tuesday. Jerel McNeal added 19 points and Wesley Matthews had 18.
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Marquette opened the game with a 12-1 run, shot 63 percent from the field in the opening half and took a 53-27 advantage at the break.
The Catamounts (5-4) were led by 17 points by Brandon Giles and 12 each by Harouna Mutombo and Brigham Waginger. Western Carolina made 13 three-point shots in 25 tries.
