11/17 Big Ten Preview: Wisconsin Hosts Marquette in Lone B1G Game

Game of the Day

Marquette Golden Eagles at Wisconsin Badgers

• Time/TV: 1:00 PM ET (FS1)
• Line: Wisconsin -1

In today’s only Big Ten game the Golden Eagles will look to win two in a row versus Big Ten opponents as they head to Madison to face off against the Badgers.

Wisconsin got off to a slow start this season with a loss to St. Mary’s before knocking off Eastern Illinois and McNeese State in their last two outings. In both wins it took until the second half for Wisconsin to put the game out of reach, something that could cause problems if they start off slow against a considerably more talented Marquette team.

The Badgers have gotten plenty of production from Brad Davison, leading the team with 16 points per game, while Nate Reuvers has been an anchor inside with 15.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.7 blocks per game. The team should also see Kobe King back in the lineup after the guard missed the win against McNeese State after suffering an injury in practice. Wisconsin will need to see some better production from beyond the arc, but saw some improvement last time out converting on 10 of 28 (35.7%) threes after starting the season 8 of 37 (21.6%).

Marquette used their defense to shut down the Boilermakers in the second half, holding them to only 17 points as they turned a 13 point deficit into a 10 point victory. Holding Purdue to a 34/25/43 shooting line from the field, Marquette was able to utilize their defense for the quality victory. That was for the best as the team had little production besides their backcourt duo of Markus Howard and Koby McEwen, who combined for 41 points on 12 of 24 shooting, including 6 of 14 from three. Howard scored 38 in the opener, hitting 7 of 10 from three, and Wisconsin will need to slow down the senior if they want to pick up the win. In Howard’s last three games versus Wisconsin he has scored 27, 23 and 22 points.

Wisconsin has the advantage of being at home today, but Markus Howard is one of the nation’s best players. If the Badgers can find a way to finally slow down Howard than they should be capable of picking up the win, but if Howard can reach 20+ once again than Marquette should be able to pick up the road win.

Pick: Marquette