Wisconsin Basketball: Why Badgers will be better than Marquette in 2019-20

In what could be proclaimed the “Battle for Wisconsin,” the Nov.17 matchup between Wisconsin Basketball and Marquette should be a tight one. Here is why the Badgers should have the edge entering the contest.

Last season’s December matchup between Wisconsin Basketball and Marquette was an exhilarating one. It featured clashing styles going back and forth until an overtime period deemed enough for the Golden Eagles to pick up the tight victory.

This upcoming season’s game between the two should see the same neck and neck action; but the action itself should look very different, due to both sides losing key contributors. The Badgers lose Khalil Iverson and star player Ethan Happ, who scored a whopping 34 points in last seasons contest. While Marquette loses both Sam and Joey Hauser, who combined for a solid 28 points against Wisconsin.

Marquette counteractively adds elite guard transfer Koby McEwen, only amplifying how different this matchup will look next season. On the other end, Wisconsin will look to its current rotation for leverage in Happ’s absence.

With so much production turnover and both teams looking so even on paper, the case could be made for either team to further prevail. The history books say Wisconsin, as they lead the series 43-37 (since 1950). Here are a few reasons suggesting why history might remain in flux this next season, and why the Badgers might be the better team.