Coming in as underdogs outsiders expected the Wisconsin Badgers to struggle against the high flying offense of Marquette. Apart from a couple of runs, for the most part, Wisconsin was able to not only control the game, but get a comfortable non-conference victory at home.
Wisconsin Badgers Size Proves Too Much
Though there were a couple of second quarter runs by the visitors to cut the lead, for the most part Wisconsin was able to flex their interior advantage, cruising to a 75-64 win at the Kohl Center.
Most telling while watching the game, was the huge rebounding advantage that the Wisconsin Badgers displayed. Out-rebounding Marquette 43-27, a lot of second chance points were created with an 8 offensive rebound advantage against the Marquette front court.
Steven Crowl led the team with 8 rebounds, while teammate Tyler Wahl followed closely behind with 7. But the advantage that really helped the Wisconsin Badgers control the game was using their aggressive play style and size to get Marquette in foul trouble concern.
With six players ending the game with 3 fouls, Wisconsin was able to take advantage at the free throw line. Out-dueling Marquette at the charity stripe convincingly, going 24 for 28, while their opponent only went 11 for 14 from the free throw line.
Wisconsin Badgers Star Of The Game
Without a doubt the player of the game was Max Klesmit. In a game that could have been a low scoring, low momentum offensive struggle, the junior guard out of Neenah, Wisconsin put up a first half performance to remember.
Shooting 50% from the field, and a perfect 4 for 4 from the line, his scoring damage was done before halftime, scoring a game high 21 points. At a point were the game was looking ot get out of hand, his scoring ability gave Wisconsin the cushion needed to overcome the mini runs by the Marquette team in the second half, and ultimately proved to be the biggest difference in the game.
In a fitting way for him to be the one to shine, earlier in the week Klesmit had this to say about the in-state rivalry:
Being from the home state, just means a little bit more to you, a little more pride that goes in behind the scenes.
Talking about keeping composure, and not letting the moment get too big for him, he ended up nearly foreshadowing his entire performance.
Wisconsin Badgers Road Ahead
Sitting at now 6-2 this was a good performance to begin a tough slate of three games against quality opponents. With away matchups against Michigan State and Arizona, Wisconsin showed that they can play at their own pace, and make opposing offenses uncomfortable as a team. It will be important to see if their defensive intensity is able to travel on the road.
An area that will need improvement to pull off more wins this upcoming week will have to be shooting. Outside of Klesmit, the Badgers shot 0 of 10 from the three point line. Also, with all five starters playing nearly 30 minutes, it will be important for someone else on the bench to step up and develop a consistent role off of the bench if Wisconsin is to make a deep tournament run.
