In one of the most electric matchups of the season, the No. 5 Marquette Golden Eagles claimed an emphatic 88-74 victory over the No. 11 Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday at Fiserv Forum. This game wasn’t just about rankings or statistics—it was about pride, grit, and the ever-intense fight for basketball supremacy in the Badger State.
First Half: Toe-to-Toe Tussle
The game started with both teams trading punches, showcasing why this rivalry continues to captivate fans. Wisconsin led 39-37 at halftime, fueled by a sharp performance from John Tonje, who dropped 12 points in the opening 20 minutes. Marquette, however, stayed within striking distance thanks to solid contributions from Kam Jones and their defensive persistence.
Second Half Surge
Marquette came out of the locker room firing on all cylinders. Their defense turned the tide, forcing eight second-half turnovers, seven of which came during a game-changing nine-minute stretch. During this span, the Golden Eagles went on a commanding 28-10 run, effectively seizing control and silencing the Badgers’ offensive rhythm.
Kam Jones: The Catalyst
Senior guard Kam Jones delivered a masterclass, leading all scorers with 32 points on an efficient 12-of-21 shooting. Beyond his scoring, Jones contributed six assists, four steals, and zero turnovers in 32 minutes, proving why he’s one of the nation’s top guards. Whether hitting clutch shots or setting up his teammates, Jones was the heart of Marquette’s victory.
Support from All Sides
Chase Ross overcame an ankle injury to play a pivotal role, logging 36 minutes with 12 points, eight rebounds, and a pair of steals. Stevie Mitchell added another 12 points, including a crucial three-point play that extended Marquette’s lead to an insurmountable 15 points. The Golden Eagles’ depth and balance were on full display, a testament to their championship aspirations.
Wisconsin’s Bright Spots
Despite the loss, the Badgers had their moments. Max Klesmit broke out of his shooting slump, nailing six three-pointers en route to 22 points. John Blackwell chipped in with 17 points, and John Tonje finished with 14, though Marquette’s second-half adjustments curtailed his effectiveness.
A Statement Win
For Marquette, this victory snapped a three-game losing streak against their state rivals and reinforced their status as a top contender. Head coach Shaka Smart credited his team’s defensive adjustments and composure under pressure, key factors in overcoming Wisconsin’s halftime lead.
Looking Ahead
The Golden Eagles will enjoy a brief break for finals before visiting Dayton on December 14 to wrap up their non-conference slate. Meanwhile, Wisconsin will look to rebound as they gear up for Big Ten competition.
Why This Rivalry Matters
Saturday’s game wasn’t just a matchup of ranked teams; it was a display of heart, skill, and the passion that fuels one of college basketball’s greatest rivalries. In the battle for Badger State supremacy, Marquette emerged victorious this time—but the story is far from over. Fans on both sides are already counting the days until the next chapter in this timeless showdown.