Chucky Hepburn and Tyler Wahl during a game at Marquette

Men's Basketball

Five Things to Know: Wisconsin vs. Marquette

In-state rivals face off on Saturday

MADISON, Wis. — Separated by just 79 miles, Wisconsin and Marquette will meet for the 130th time in a series that dates back to 1917. The Kohl Center is sold out for the I-94 Rivalry game, which tips off at 11:30 a.m. (CT) on FOX. 

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW:

'White Out' game seating chart 2023
Fans are encouraged to WEAR WHITE on Saturday!

1. ‘WHITE OUT’ GAME

Fans attending Saturday's game are encouraged to WEAR WHITE for the annual “White Out” game. With the game being sold out, fans are also encouraged to arrive early and bring the energy!

Doors Open: 10 a.m.
Badgers Warm Up: 10:39 a.m.
Badger Trivia: 11:10 a.m.
Badgers Return to the Court: 11:19 a.m.
Opening Tip vs. Marquette: 11:30 a.m.

Students are encouraged to arrive early, as there will be a free AreaRED student t-shirt giveaway (while supplies last).

A 360 degree photo booth will be located outside of Section 114 for fans to use.

At halftime, fans can enjoy a special performance from Wisconsin Drumline.

Max Klesmit (11) against Marquette during the 2022-23 season
Max Klesmit (11) against Marquette in 2022

2. ALL-TIME vs. MARQUETTE

Wisconsin and Marquette will meet for the 130th time on Saturday in a series that dates back to 1917. The matchup has become an annual tradition with the two sides facing each other every year but one since the 1958-59 season. The Badgers hold a 70-59 all-time advantage over the Golden Eagles, including a 40-18 edge in Madison. 

Last season, the two teams battled in Milwaukee and the Badgers earned an 80-77 overtime win. The game was tied 77-77 heading into the final 32 second of play, but Max Klesmit came up with huge bucket with just three seconds left. Senior Tyler Wahl sealed the win with two steals on consecutive Marquette possessions. Chucky Hepburn scored a game-high 19 points in the win, despite missing over 10 minutes with an injury.

Connor Essegian (3) against Marquette during the 2022-23 season
Connor Essegian (3) against Marquette in 2022

3. SCOUTING THE OPPONENT

Marquette is ranked No. 3 in the latest AP Top 25, holding a record of 6-1 this season. The Golden Eagles' lone loss came last week in the Maui Invitational against current No. 1 Purdue. During the tournament, Marquette earned a 73-59 win over then-ranked No. 1 Kansas.

Marquette is coming off of a 93-56 home win over Southern on Tuesday. The Golden Eagles have three players averaging at least 10 points per game this season: Kam Jones (16.0), Tyler Kolek (13.9 and Oso Ighodaro (13.7).

AJ Storr (2) against Western Illinois
AJ Storr (2) against Western Illinois

4. LAST TIME OUT

Wisconsin extended its win streak to four-straight games with a 71-49 win over Western Illinois on Monday. Junior Steven Crowl posted his second double-double of the season (sixth of his career), scoring 13 points to go along with 11 rebounds. AJ Storr and Chucky Hepburn also finished with 13 points each, while Tyler Wahl had 12 points. It marked the fifth time in seven games this season that UW has had four players score double figures.

The Badgers tallied their 40th-consecutive non-conference home win over a mid-major program on Monday night, marking the fourth-longest active streak in the Big Ten. That streak dates back to Dec. 9, 2015.

For the second time in three games this season, the Badgers held their opponent to under 50 points.

John Blackwell (25) against Western Illinois
John Blackwell (25) against Western Illinois

5. 'JB' EARNS B1G HONOR

Freshman John Blackwell was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday after he helped lead the Badgers to a title at the 2023 Fort Myers Tip-Off last week. In the championship game of the Fort Myers Tip-Off, Blackwell finished with 10 points and a career-high nine rebounds.

Blackwell is the first Badger to be named Big Ten Freshman of the Week since teammate Chucky Hepburn earned the honor back on Dec. 6, 2021. 

Blackwell has scored 10+ points in five of the seven games this season and has cemented himself in the team's rotation.

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