Taylor tossed in seven points for Marquette before leaving the game midway through the half, grabbing his knee. He returned later in the half.

Rutgers shot 58 percent (14 of 24) from the floor, while Marquette was just 10-of-28 (35.7%).

Marquette lacked rhythm in the first half, playing in front of a half-empty building after defeating Notre Dame, 72-64, before 19,093 at the Bradley Center on Saturday -- the second largest crowd to see a college basketball game in Wisconsin.

"For them (Rutgers), I know it was an important game," Williams said. "I think Rutgers is talented. They play hard defensively. I thought for sure Rutgers dominated at both ends of the floor."

After scoring 16 points against Notre Dame, Marquette center Chris Otule was scoreless in 22 minutes against Rutgers.

NOTES: Marquette is assured of the coveted double-bye when the Big East Tournament commences next week in New York City. Since the Big East expanded in 2005-06, Marquette is the only school in the conference to advance to at least the quarterfinals of the championship in each of those seasons. ... Entering the game, Mack led the Big East and ranked fifth in the nation in free throw percentage (.904). ... Blue has increased his scoring average from 8.4 per game in 2011-12 to 14.0 in 2012.