Cincinnati beats No. 8 Marquette 72-61

By Joe Kay

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Feb. 29 2012 7:10 p.m. MST

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Marquette guard Darius Johnson-Odom (1) scrambles for a loose ball with Cincinnati forward Justin Jackson (5) and guard Jeremiah Davis III in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, in Cincinnati.

Al Behrman, Associated Press

Summary

JaQuon Parker scored a career-high 28 points in a take-it-to-the-hoop attack on Wednesday night, leading Cincinnati to a 72-61 victory over No. 8 Marquette that embellished the Bearcats' NCAA tournament chances.

CINCINNATI — JaQuon Parker scored a career-high 28 points in a take-it-to-the-hoop attack on Wednesday night, leading Cincinnati to a 72-61 victory over No. 8 Marquette that embellished the Bearcats' NCAA tournament chances.

The Bearcats (21-9, 11-6 Big East) have won six of their last eight, including home victories over then-No. 17 Louisville and Marquette (24-6, 13-4). The Golden Eagles had won five straight, including a 95-78 drubbing of the Bearcats in Milwaukee on Feb. 11.

The rematch was a total reversal.

Cincinnati repeatedly drove through Marquette's defense for layups, with Parker leading the way. Dion Dixon added 21 points for the Bearcats. Cincinnati's front line dominated with nine blocks, including seven by Justin Jackson.

Darius Johnson-Odom scored 18 points, and Jae Crowder added 17 points and 12 rebounds for Marquette, which never got the lead under double digits in the second half.

Cincinnati improved to 5-3 against ranked teams this season.

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