MILWAUKEE, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Davante Gardner scored 25 points Friday and No. 17 Marquette took advantage of a late Southern cold snap to defeat the Jaguars 63-56.
Southern went without a point for almost five full minutes beginning with 7:13 left in the game. Marquette managed only six points during the Jaguars' slump, but that was enough to fight off what would have been a huge upset.
Gardner made 15-of-20 shots from the foul line. Todd Mayo added 20 points for the Eagles, who reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament last season.
Southern was led by 14 points from Malcolm Miller. The Jaguars also reached the NCAA Tournament a year ago and lost to Gonzaga by six points in the second round.
Marquette went 33-of-53 from the foul line while Southern made 6-of-16.
