January 20, 2006

Associated Press

Novak had 28 points to lead the Golden Eagles in front of 18,874 at the Bradley Center - the largest crowd ever to witness a college basketball game in the state of Wisconsin, according to Marquette's athletic department.

It was the first meeting between the two schools as Big East foes, but the 105th overall meeting in a long-standing rivalry.

A driving layup by Marquette's Dominic James tied the game, 65-65, with 45.9 seconds remaining.

Notre Dame had taken a 65-63 lead on a steal by Rob Kurz and layup by Chris Quinn. Quinn was fouled on the shot and made the free throw to give Notre Dame the lead with 2:46 remaining.

Marquette (14-5, 4-2 Big East) grabbed a 44-43 lead - its first of the game - on Jerel McNeal's layup with 13:39 left.

The Golden Eagles extended their lead to 54-48 on Dan Fitzgerald's layup and foul shot.

But the Fighting Irish rallied to tie the game, 54-54, when Fitzgerald fouled Colin Falls on a missed 3-point attempt and Falls hit all three free throws.

The Irish grabbed a 57-54 lead on their next possession on a 3-pointer by Quinn.

Falls had 21 points to lead the Fighting Irish (10-6, 1-4 Big East). Notre Dame led 33-30 at the half, led by Quinn's 8 points, but Novak's 16 first-half points kept Marquette in the game.

Notre Dame led 28-19 after Kyle McAlarney's layup with 6:03 left in the first half. Then three 3-pointers by Novak and a jumper by center Mike Kinsella spurred an 11-5 Marquette run before halftime.

Marquette had eight blocks in the first half.