Wisconsin Basketball vs. Marquette: 2017-18 game preview, TV, prediction

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - MARCH 15: The Wisconsin Badgers mascot 'Bucky Badger' performs during the second half of the game against the Montana Grizzlies during the second round of the 2012 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at The Pit on March 15, 2012 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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MADISON, WI – FEBRUARY 19: Happ /

Can Marquette stop Wisconsin’s Ethan Happ inside?

For Wisconsin, Ethan Happ is at the center of everything. Not only is he one of the best interior scorers in the entire nation, but Happ is an outstanding rebounder and playmaker for the Badgers. In his first true season as the go-to player for Wisconsin, Happ is putting up sensational numbers. In fact, he leads the Badgers in points (16.2), rebounds (8.6), assists (3.0), and blocks (0.7) per game. Happ is also second on the team in field goal percentage (53.6%) and steals per game (1.2).

He is the most important player on the floor for Wisconsin because of how much he does on both ends of the floor. For this game, in particular, Marquette will need to do everything they can to slow down the big man. The Golden Eagles do not have an elite defensive center who can match up with Happ inside so the team will need to use a committee of players and schemes to slow down Happ’s impact.

In many of Wisconsin’s games so far this season, Happ has been limited by double or even triple-teams. When Happ is forced into difficult situations, he is able to pass out of them effectively but that then forces the remainder of Wisconsin’s players to step up in order for the Badgers to win.

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