In an electrifying matchup on Saturday afternoon, the No. 5 Marquette Golden Eagles faced off against the No. 11 Wisconsin Badgers at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI. The Golden Eagles pulled away with a stellar second half, outscoring the Badgers 47-32, ultimately sealing the game with a final score of 79-66. This victory marks Marquette’s 10th consecutive win, pushing their record to 11-1 this season, while Wisconsin now stands at 8-4.
Marquette showcased a balanced offensive attack, led by Tyler Kolek, who poured in 23 points along with 7 assists, followed closely by Kam Jones with 20 points. In his press statements after the game, Marquette head coach Shaka Smart commented, “We knew Wisconsin was going to present a challenge, but our guys really stepped up in the second half, showing resilience and teamwork.”
Wisconsin’s Max Klesmit tried to keep his team in the game, contributing 18 points and 5 rebounds. Head coach Greg Gard acknowledged the tough loss, stating, “We fought hard and had our chances, but credit to Marquette for their strong second half. We need to work on our execution in crucial moments going forward.”
The first half concluded with a slim lead for Marquette, but it was during the second half that their experience and depth really shone. With key rebounds and defensive stops, they managed to build a double-digit lead that Wisconsin struggled to overcome. The Golden Eagles’ defense was pivotal, limiting the Badgers’ scoring opportunities and capitalizing on fast breaks to secure the win.
As the season progresses, Marquette looks to solidify their ranking and continue their impressive form, while Wisconsin will seek to bounce back in their upcoming games. The match, also watched by numerous scouts and fans, has heightened the rivalry between the two programs, making future encounters highly anticipated.
