The Marquette Golden Eagles jumped out to a big first half lead, leading by as many as 22 points, then had to hang on to beat Fresno State 84-81 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.
Fresno State shot 63% from the field in the second half and cut the Golden Eagles lead to just two points in the final minute. Thanks to some solid free throw shooting (23 of 29), Marquette held on.
Freshman Sam Hauser led Marquette with 19 points, making four of his seven three-point shots. He also made four of six free throws in the final minute.
Senior Center Luke Fischer had 18 points and five rebounds and freshman Markus Howard added 10 points and four assists.
Terrell Carter II had 21 points to lead Fresno State. The Golden Eagles will host Wisconsin on Saturday.
AUDIO: Luke Fischer on Fresno State’s second half comeback :18