It’s a final here in Milwaukee, as No. 25 Marquette beats No. 13 Villanova 79-72 on New Year’s Day. The Golden Eagles were led by a a quartet of double-digit scorers. Jerel McNeal led all scorers with 24 points and Dominic James (17), Wesley Matthews (19) and Lazar Hayward (15) gave him plenty of help.

James shot just 6-of-15 from the floor, but his four three pointers were timed so well it seemed like he made a lot more. Marquette withstood several Villanova runs in the second half, keyed by Corey Fisher (21 points, 8-of-11 free throws), Scottie Reynolds (15 points) and Dante Cunningham (16 points, 8 rebounds).

The Wildcats are good this year, but for my money probably a ranked a touch too high at No. 13. Still a solid win for a Marquette team that, aside from Wisconsin, hasn’t beaten anyone this year.

I’ll have quotes when they become available. If ‘Nova coach Jay Wright is half as animated as he was on the sidelines today, they’ll be good ones.