Overall: A
Wisconsin was able to put together an effective game plan on both ends of the floor. Wisconsin knew Howard was going to get his shots up against Wisconsin as he attempted 21 field goals as the goal was to try and make somebody besides Howard beat them.
Mission accomplished as with Howard only scoring two points in the second half and Wisconsin building a double-digit lead over Marquette proved to be too much for the Golden Eagles to overcome.
There was one sequence in the second half that proved to be critical in making sure Marquette couldn’t regain momentum. Heading into the eight minute media timeout Pritzl had just fouled Greg Elliott on a made jumper. Out of the timeout Elliott was able to complete the and one play and cut Wisconsin’s lead to 58-51 with 7:52 to go in the game.
The Badgers proceeded by making three straight 3-pointers. Davison got it started and extended Wisconsin’s lead back to double digits. On the ensuing offensive possession, Trice was able to knock down a three, which came off of a Reuvers steal and Pritzl knocked down a triple to off of an assist by King. In three offensive possessions by Wisconsin, the Badgers were able to extend the lead to 16 points after Elliott’s cut the Badgers lead to seven.
Over the last 7:52, Wisconsin’s defense held Marquette to shoot 2-for-6 from the field compared to Wisconsin finishing the game 5-for-10 but the Badgers missed their final four shots from the field with 2:01 to go.
Game MVP: Brevin Pritzl
Pritzl put together one of the finest games in his career as a Badgers as he recorded his first career double-double as he finished the game with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Pritzl’s 13 rebounds were a new career high as six of his 13 rebounds came on the offensive glass. Pritzl’s ability to help keep offensive possessions alive or limit Marquette to one shot per possession was important to Wisconsin’s success on both sides of the floor. Not to mention, Pritzl was able to score seven straight points in the first half for Wisconsin.