South Bend, Ind. ? Jerel McNeal had a season-high 27 points, and Wesley Matthews made some key baskets down the stretch Monday night to lead No. 8 Marquette to a 71-64 victory over Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish’s fourth straight loss.

It was the second loss in a row at home for the Fighting Irish (12-7, 3-5 Big East), who had won 45 straight at the Joyce Center until losing Saturday to No. 2 Connecticut.

Matthews had 16 points, and Dominic James added 15 for the Golden Eagles (18-2, 7-0), who have won 10 straight and remained unbeaten in the Big East along with No. 7 Louisville.

Lazar Hayward had 13 points and six rebounds, and James, who left the game in the closing seconds due to an injured left leg, had nine rebounds.

The Golden Eagles, who led most of the game, finished it on a 12-5 run. Matthews started the run by making two free throws and scoring on fastbreak layup after he stole the ball from Tory Jackson. Then McNeal hit a three to put the game out of reach.