Basketball season is in full swing for the Wisconsin women’s basketball team as they take on the in-state rival Marquette Golden Eagles at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. It’s the first time both squads have faced off since 2017.
The new look Badgers started the year hot, coming off a 79-68 win against Oakland to kick the season off Wednesday. They were powerful on offense, shooting 50% from the field and out-rebounding Oakland 48-31.
Fifth-year transfer Destiny Howell led the team, putting up 17 points and six rebounds. Fifth-year guard Shay Bolllin had 13 points, just shy of her 14-point career high. Freshman center Dorja Zaja had six blocks, which ties her for second most blocks in Kohl Center history and fourth most blocks in Wisconsin freshman history.
The Badgers are hopeful their new additions can keep the team going strong. The Badgers are 5-6 against Marquette all time and 3-3 when on the road.
Marquette is also starting their season hot with an 89-57 win against Winthrop at home. The Golden Eagles are a serious threat, as they were picked to finish second in the preseason polls in the Big East Conference and are the only Division I women's basketball team to return every player from its 2024-25 roster.
Some Marquette players to look out for are senior guard Jaidynn Mason and junior forward Skylar Forbes. Mason put up 25 points, seven rebounds and five assists in her most recent game. Forbes tailed right behind with 19 points and five assists.
Marquette’s offense will be the biggest concern for the Badgers, but after their strong defensive performance against Oakland, the Badgers will look to shut down the Golden Eagles’ offense and limit their scoring opportunities.
Zara is the most notable Badgers defender . The 6’3” freshman is set to be a driving factor in the defense's success and will play a key role in limiting Marquette’s scoring opportunities in the paint.
With both teams coming off strong season openers, Saturday’s matchup is set to be a competitive early test for the Badgers. And with rivalry bragging rights on the line, the intensity is expected to be high from tip-off.
