COL BKB: Marquette 78, Georgetown 72

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Wesley Matthews scored 18 of his 23 points in the first half Saturday, helping 11th-ranked Marquette to a 78-72 win over Georgetown.

Jerel McNeal had 22 points with seven assists and six rebounds, and Lazar Hayward added a 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Golden Eagles (23-4, 12-2 Big East), who won their third straight.

Chris Wright led Georgetown with 17 points. Austin Freeman added 16, while Greg Monroe had 13 points and eight rebounds, and DaJuan Summers 12 points before he fouled out late.

The Hoyas (14-11, 5-9) have lost three of four and are in danger of missing the Big East tournament since just 12 teams will reach the conference tournament at Madison Square Garden.