The Basics

Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee
When: Saturday, December 10th; 1 p.m. CT
Channel: Fox Sports 1
All-Time Series: Wisconsin leads 66-56
Last Meeting: Marquette won 57-55 (12/12/15)

Projected Starting Lineups

Marquette Golden Eagles (7-2)

G Haanif Cheatham- So. 6-5,195 (11.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.4 apg)
G Jajuan Johnson- Sr. 6-5, 205 (14.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.8 apg)
G Markus Howard- Fr. 5-11, 175 (8.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.1 apg)
F Sam Hauser- Fr. 6-7, 225 (10.3, 4.9 rpg, .9 apg)
C Luke Fischer- Sr. 7-0, 250 (13.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.0 apg)

Wisconsin Badgers (8-2)

G Bronson Koenig- Sr. 6-3, 190 (15.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.5 apg)
G Zak Showalter- Sr. 6-3, 185 (6.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.3 apg)
F Nigel Hayes- Sr. 6-8, 240 (12.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.5 apg)
F Vitto Brown- Sr. 6-8, 235 (7.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, .9 apg)
C Ethan Happ- So. 6-10, 232 (13.5 ppg, 10 rpg, 2.5 apg)

Biggest Matchup: Ethan Happ vs Luke Fischer

Tomorrow’s battle between Wisconsin and Marquette will feature two of the most efficient big men in the country. Ethan Happ has been a monster for the Badgers, averaging 13.5 points on 70% shooting, which has landed him on many early season national player of the year lists. He has also got it done on the boards, as he is now averaging a double-double.

The 7-foot Fischer has remarkably been even more accurate from the field than Happ has, averaging 13.9 points per game on 76% shooting. He has done that despite playing just 24 minutes per contest.

This game may come down to which center can assert there dominance. If one is able to get the other into foul trouble, it could be a new game. Both teams need their big men to be effective in order to win, and this matchup will be pivotal.

3 Numbers to Know

52– That is the three-point shooting percentage of Marquette’s Sam Hauser. Lately, he has been on fire from beyond the arc. Needless to say, Wisconsin does not want to give him open looks on the perimeter, because he will make them pay.

24– That is Marquette’s adjusted tempo ranking this season. That means they love to get out on the break and run. That is quite the contrast from the snail-paced Badgers, who are 346th in adjusted tempo. It will be a battle of tempos and styles, and whichever team can force the other to play their pace will likely win.

24.1– That is the combined percentage that Wisconsin’s Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig shot in last season’s loss to Marquette. They were a combined 7-29 from the field for just 18 points. Despite that, Wisconsin only lost by two. Koenig and Hayes are both much better now than they were a year ago at this point, so we likely won’t see a similar output from them.

Prediction

Wisconsin 75, Marquette 65

Road games are never easy, especially not in a rivalry. However, Wisconsin has finally looked like a Final Four contender over the last week. They dominated Syracuse and Oklahoma, and I expect the good play to continue. Marquette will be forced to play at Wisconsin’s prodding style, and the Badgers’ edge in talent and experience will show. The best basketball program in the state will avenge last season’s loss and come out victorious.