Wisconsin predictions

[MuMark]

Hayes isn't going to guard Luke while Happ is in the game. Happ is strong and is a decent shot blocker. He is their best option against Luke in the post.

UW is not a dynamic offensive team by any means but they have 2 guys that can get hot in a hurry......and they do a great job at running down their own misses. If MU can keep the rebounding battle close I like their chances. Need to play smart and not turn it over. Can they do that in the first road game of the season and the first ever for a few?

Game will in all likelihood be played at a slow pace. Can our important guys stay out of foul trouble?

I think it's just the opposite.

I don't see anybody on our team who can even come close to guarding Koenig, and same with Hayes.  Sandy is far too small for Hayes, and Hank will get blown by over and over.  The only real matchup nightmare for them is Fischer.  Hayes has the size and athleticism (plus will get the calls) to keep Hank in check.

[naginiF]

For the first time in awhile, I'm not so sure about this one. We have been much, much, much better than Wisconsin at not fouling. Even when we played on neutral courts at MSG we won the foul battles. Thus far, Bucky is much more foul prone than we have been, and I think Happ and Brown (both foul prone) will have a lot of trouble with our frontcourt.

When you look at foul tendencies and our bench, I think we would fare a lot better in a battle of attrition, and I'm just not convinced Wisconsin has the players that will get the benefit of the doubt like they did in the past, as only Hayes and Koenig are really recognizable to any of the refs that are accustomed to them.

Agree.....but Henry's left arm, and the extension there of while dribbling, is at the heart of my concern.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Becky 63, MU 61

[barfolomew]

Becky 63, MU 61

Anybody seen where Vegas has opened up on this game?
I would guess the O/U would be in the mid 130's, and if so, I'm not sure if I'd take that under. I think this will be a higher scoring game than Wisky's pace of play would suggest. Then again, MU usually shoots like caca at the Kohl.

[MuMark]

Badgers open as a 9 point favorite

[BM1090]

Badgers open as a 9 point favorite

That seems really high to me. I'd be surprised if Marquette lost by double digits.

Iowa debacle might still be in the public's head, along with Wisconsin at home.

[Herman Cain]

Here is one websites opinion

http://www.rantsports.com/ncaa-basketball/2015/12/11/marquette-vs-wisconsin-college-basketball-game-preview-prediction-tv-schedule/

[Daniel]

Our team this year is better than last year's - on paper though defense probably not as good. And Wiscy is worse. We lost  by 11 last year.  So I'm hopeful we can make this a game.

Go Marquette!

[mubb3434]

I am seeing the line has moved to -7 for the Badgers.

[BM1090]

I am seeing the line has moved to -7 for the Badgers.

This movement does not surprise me. -6 seems about right. Badgers favored by 2-3 on a neutral court

[MuMark]

I think MU is playing zone for a good portion of this game.

Not 1 possession of zone. Unless we get into foul trouble or have trouble staying in front of sole quick guards I think man to man is what we are going to see going forward.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Bucky 75 MU 71. Scoop melts down after Bucky makes 90% of their FTs and Marquette makes 65%. Debates break out on the importance of hitting FTs. Jay Bee laughs at everybody involved.

Don't like the prediction but its what my guy is telling me. I will say that my prediction preseason would have been a much bigger loss so I think we are trending in the right direction. The game is winnable. We just need some luck....and Nigel Hayes to pick up three fouls in the first half.

Always glad to be wrong when it means a Marquette victory.

[brandx]

Not 1 possession of zone. Unless we get into foul trouble or have trouble staying in front of sole quick guards I think man to man is what we are going to see going forward.

Think of where the man defense is now compared to the beginning of the season.

[brewcity77]

Think of where the man defense is now compared to the beginning of the season.

Think of it now compared to the beginning of last season.

[wadesworld]

Glad I was wrong on this one.  Didn't think we had a win in our first road game of the season at the Kohl Hole.  Don't trip up against the rest of the cupcakes and a 2 loss non-conference is just fine.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Glad I was wrong on this one.  Didn't think we had a win in our first road game of the season at the Kohl Hole.  Don't trip up against the rest of the cupcakes and a 2 loss non-conference is just fine.

Glad I was right.  If MU made a few more free throws, I would have nailed the score too.

[naginiF]

Think of it now compared to the beginning of last season.

How about in March vs now? 

it won't be as exponentially better, but it'll be better.

[bamamarquettefan]

I believe since everyone else predicted too many points for the Badgers, this projection of a 547-17 win for Marquette actually wins doesn't it :-)

Way to have faith!

[warriorchick]

I believe since everyone else predicted too many points for the Badgers, this projection of a 547-17 win for Marquette actually wins doesn't it :-)

Way to have faith!

Well, my friend, dere is a certain guy from Madison dat hates da Badgers: