Golden Gardner, Marquette wins, 74-71

MILWAUKEE -- The Marquette Golden Eagles are still unbeaten on their homecourt this season after edging Syracuse Monday night, 74 to 71.  MU is ranked 22nd this week by the Associated Press and had to rally from a double-digit deficit against the 12th ranked Orange.

Davonte Gardner was 7 for 7 from the floor on his way to a career-high 26 points.  Jake Thomas had only 4 points, but they came on a singular play in the first half and helped stabilize things for the home team.  Thomas' first basket of the conference season helped bring the crowd back into the game, and that was also a big factor.

Marquette closes its home campaign Saturday against Notre Dame.