Blue scores 19 to lead No. 18 Marquette in 79-69 win over No. 16 Pittsburgh

Marquette's Todd Mayo (4) chases down a loose ball ahead of Pittsburgh's Steven Adams, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps) (The Associated Press)

Marquette's Chris Otule, left, defends Pittsburgh's Talib Zanna (42) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps) (The Associated Press)

Vander Blue scored 19 points to lead No. 18 Marquette to a 79-69 victory over No. 16 Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Blue was 7 of 8 from the field and 3 for 4 on free throws to go with six rebounds for the Golden Eagles (18-6, 9-3), who moved into a first-place tie with Georgetown in the Big East.

The Golden Eagles, who lost to the Hoyas, 63-55 on Monday, shot 57 percent (26 for 46) to win their 23rd straight home game — the fourth-longest active streak in the country.

Lamar Patterson scored 19 points to lead Pittsburgh (20-6, 8-5), which entered the game fifth in the nation in scoring defense (54.4 ppg). Tray Woodall added 10 points and eight assists for the Panthers, who lost for just the second time in their last nine games.