Lazar Hayward and Jerel McNeal combined to make eight free throws in the final 34 seconds Wednesday, lifting No. 15 Marquette past Rutgers 81-76.

Wesley Matthews made all 10 field goal attempts to lead the Golden Eagles with 23 points. Marquette (14-2, 3-0 Big East) won its sixth straight game.

Rutgers closed within 73-71 on a layup by Mike Rosario with 37 seconds to go, after which Hayward and McNeal were perfect from the foul line. Rosario missed two shots down the stretch as Rutgers' hopes slipped away.

The Scarlet Knights (9-7, 0-3) lost their fourth straight game, all to ranked opponents. Rosario scored 22 points and Corey Chandler had 19.