Wisconsin Basketball: Why Badgers will be better than Marquette in 2019-20
By Cody Larson
Defense Wins
Last year when Wisconsin and Marquette met is was a clashing of styles; an epitome of offensive focus vs. defensive focus. Next season’s contest should once again highlight that same thing; T-Rank projects the Badgers to have a top-ranked defense (8th) and projects the Golden Eagles to have a top-ranked offense (18th).
Last year the common phrase “defense wins championships” did not hold up when the two teams faced off, but next time around might be a different story. That is because there is a pathway for Wisconsin’s defense to potentially be even more stifling in 2019-20. The loss of Khalil Iverson certainly hurts, but the increased workload of Kobe King and Aleem Ford (both of whom are now further removed from past knee injuries) could make up for the defensive athleticism and switch-ability that Iverson provided.
The Badgers will now also have a full-time rim-protector down low with Nate Reuvers taking on a larger role. His shot-swatting presence (he had 1.8 blocks per game when given only 22.9 minutes per game last year) adds another layer to Wisconsin’s defense that hasn’t been seen extensively from them in a while.
dark. Next. Why Marquette will be better than Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s defense should be able to reign supreme the next time they see Marquette. Their even offensive approach, as well as their preparedness for roster changes, will only help the cause. That’s not to say it is a foregone conclusion and it’s not to say that it won’t be another extremely fun matchup, as it most certainly will be.