The early season instate clash between Wisconsin and No. 11 Marquette will be a telling game for both teams. Each of them come into Saturday's game at the Kohl Center with one loss to Duke on their records. Both teams have rolled over most of their nonconference opponents. Both teams are coming off more than 25 point wins. But most importantly, both teams are hungry for a win against their instate rivals.
The matchup may strike up a little extra lift for the players on the court and fans in the Kohl Center Saturday, but Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan insists his competitive nature forces him to coach every game with the same dedication and heart.
If you're a competitor, no matter where you are or who you're playing,"" said Ryan. ""You want to beat the guy (you're facing).""
Wisconsin bounced back from their loss to Duke with a convincing win against Wofford Monday. The Badger's started the game ice cold hitting just one of their first six shots, but found their rhythm as the game went on and finished the game shooting 47 percent from the field.
Wisconsin was sparked by sophomore guard Jason Bohannon who scored a team-high 14 points on three for three shooting including two from behind the arc. The Badger's defense was stout, holding the Terriers to 27 percent shooting and forced 14 turnovers.
Marquette comes into the game well-rested after not playing in more than a week. Marquette's last game was the much-needed 100-65 in-city win verse UW-Milwaukee last Friday.
Like Wisconsin, Marquette was also coming off a tough loss to the Duke Blue Devils and needed the win to get back on track. In their thrashing of UW-Milwaukee, the Golden Eagles shot 54 percent from the field and hit nine three pointers. Marquette had four players in double figures and was led by junior point guard Dominique James with a team-high 22 points. The Golden Eagles' junior guard Jerel McNeal continued his fantastic play this season recording a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists.
The strength of the Marquette team is in their back court, including dynamic guards James and McNeal. The duo scores over 30 points and opposing defenses have fits with their quickness and athleticism.
The Badgers hope they have a solution with their two quality perimeter defenders in senior guard Michael Flowers and sophomore guard Trevon Hughes. Flowers' hard-nosed, suffocating defense has been able to disturb many opposing teams' top scorers in his career with the Badgers and it seems like Hughes is learning from his senior teammate. Hughes averages 2.5 steals per game and his perimeter defense mirrors the in-your-face style of Flowers.
Although Marquette's team quickness may be difficult for the Badgers to defend, Ryan says you must play to your team's strengths and make adjustments to minimize the opponent's strengths.
""We are who we are,"" said Ryan. ""We can't remake our team depending on who we play.""
Wisconsin was able to dominate Wofford in all facets of the game Monday night as the Kohl Center continues to be the Badger's safe haven. In Ryan's seven years as Wisconsin's head coach, the Badgers are 97-5 at the Kohl Center and their 27 straight wins home is currently the nation's third longest home winning streak.
Despite being almost unbeatable at home, the Kohl Center does not have your typical obstacles for opposing teams, said Ryan. The Kohl Center doesn't have the student section breathing on the opponents' bench or a suffocating presence surrounding the floor. Instead, it may be the intensity and passion the fans bring with them into the stadium.
""It's the spirit of the people and what they bring, there's no secrets,"" said Ryan. ""If you're struggling and the fans see you're working at it, the fans pick up on that.
