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

By Lukas Harkins

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)
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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LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Steve Wojciechowski of the Marquette Golden Eagles during the second half of the game against the VCU Rams at Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2017 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Steve Wojciechowski of the Marquette Golden Eagles during the second half of the game against the VCU Rams at Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2017 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

Final overview and prediction

In a rivalry game such as this one, there is a lot to play for. Fans on both sides are eager to grab bragging rights while also snagging a big win for their NCAA Tournament hopes. Although Wisconsin has already gotten a head start on their conference games, the Badgers are still looking for another solid non-conference win over the next few weeks.

Marquette, on the other hand, is also searching for quality wins. Victories over VCU, LSU, and Vermont are solid so far but they already have three losses. Thankfully, the Golden Eagles are yet to have a bad loss (Purdue, Wichita State, Georgia) but they cannot afford too many more losses in non-conference play.

This game has the potential to be an excellent weekend battle. Both of these teams are potential NCAA Tournament squads and will play a highly-competitive game. This will be an incredibly fun college basketball game to watch. Both Wisconsin and Marquette are programs that traditionally go dancing in the NCAA Tournament and they are fierce in-state rivals. The winner of this game will have bragging rights for the next year so this is a pivotal game for both squads.

Next: Big East power rankings (edition three)

In the end, though, I think the experience of Marquette’s guards and their ability to make big shots in the closing stretch of games is what will prove to be the difference.

Final prediction: Marquette 82, Wisconsin 75

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