Wisconsin vs Marquette Game Preview- The Instate Rivalry

The Badgers hit the road for Friday night"s tilt between the Golden Eagles at the Fiserv Forum in a non-conference match-up. I am here to talk about what the teams look like so far this year and how they match-up against each other. First, the Badgers.

High Expectations For The Badgers In 2020

Coming into the 2020-21 season, the Badgers had the type of experience to be looked at as serious title contenders. Coming into Friday night, Wisconsin holds the #4 spot in the latest AP Poll and has the momentum of a convincing 82-42 win against Green Bay.

The big reason for the 3-0 start for Wisconsin is not only the contributions on the offensive end, but the heart and soul put in on the defensive end. Wisconsin ranks 15th in defensive field goal percentage, giving up only 32% from inside of the arch. The Badgers also rank in the top 30 in opponent points per game, only surrendering 55.7 points per game in their first three games. Great defensive performances will be shown by both teams, but I will touch on that later.

Biggest Key For A Wisconsin Victory

A huge key in tonight"s game is for the Wisconsin offense to get past the defense of the Golden Eagles. Marquette has one of the best interior defenders in the game right now in senior, Theo John. John ranks inside the top 15 in blocks per game. He currently has nine blocks on the season which averages out to three blocks per game.

Looking at Wisconsin"s offense versus this defense, look for Greg Gard to push Nate Reuvers to the high post and maybe even run some pick and pops to keep John from camping down on the block. Getting easy, cheap baskets down low without having to worry about Theo John will be a huge key.

The Absence Of Markus Howard For Marquette

Marquette came into the 2020-21 season losing its top scorer, a guard who could drop 25 on any given night. Even though this hurts Marquette offensively, it certainly didn"t stop them on the defensive end. Marquette actually ranks higher than Wisconsin in defensive field goal percentage. The Golden Eagles rank 12th in the country in that aspect, only allowing 31.5% of shots to fall.

Marquette is coming off of a loss earlier this week to Oklahoma St, 70-62. Koby McEwen led them in scoring for that game with 21 points.

Golden Eagles Key To Victory

This will be a highly physical defensive game. Both teams rank in the top 15 in defensive field goal percentage, and the rivalry will only add fuel to the fire. So, just like the Badgers, Marquette will have to keep the Badger big men out of the paint and hit shots from the outside.

My Prediction

Looking at the differences these teams have, I will take the Badgers in a close battle, winning by a score of 67-63.

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