Highlights from a busy weekend in college basketball included the confounding slump of the Wisconsin Badgers, the impressive resurgence at Marquette and an improbable conference leading season in Milwaukee.
The Badgers lost to Illinois at the Kohl Center Saturday 61-51, their sixth defeat in the last seven games. It was another shaky performance on both ends of the floor. The Badgers could not contain Matthew Mayer of the Illini who went off for 26 points. Chucky Hepburn led a cold shooting (33.3%) Wisconsin offense with 15 points. Wisconsin has slipped to 4-6 in the Big Ten and 12-8 overall. They’ll play at Ohio State on Thursday.
The Marquette Golden Eagles buried DePaul in Chicago Saturday with a big second half, outscoring the Blue Demons 56-37 in the second half after leading by just one at the break in the 89-69 victory. David Joplin broke loose for 28 points and Tyler Kolek added 24 as Marquette improved to 17-5 on the season and at 9-2, share the Big East lead with Xavier. The Golden Eagles will host Villanova on Wednesday.
With a new Head Coach and overhauled roster, the Milwaukee Panthers continue to be the surprise of the Horizon League. On Saturday, they trailed Northern Kentucky by 20 and the deficit hit 23 early in the second half before Milwaukee stormed back for the 75-74 victory. B.J. Freeeman led the way with 23 points, going 17 for 17 from the free throw line as the Panthers improved to 15-7 overall, 9-3 in conference play, in a four way tie for first place with the Norse, Cleveland State and Youngstown State.
The Green Bay Phoenix are now 0-2 under interim Head Coach Freddie Owens as they were whipped by Wright State 77-46. GB trailed 41-16 at the half and never mounted a challenge. Cade Meyer and Randy Tucker each scored 10 for the Phoenix who now sit 2-21 on the year, 1-11 in conference play and losers of 13 straight games.
St. Norbert is running third in the NACC after an 82-67 victory over Benedictine on Saturday. Evan Glaser led with 17 points. The Green Knights are 12-7 overall, 9-3 in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. They’ll host Concordia of Wisconsin on Tuesday.
In women’s action, the Wisconsin Badgers blew a 15 point second half lead in falling to Northwestern on Sunday 70-67. Sareh Williams led with 21 as the Badgers drop to 7-15 on the year, 2-8 in Big Ten play.
St. Norbert stayed perfect in NACC action with a 71-39 rout of Benedictine. Kaycee Gierczak led with 19 as the Lady Knights improved to 16-3 overall and 11-0 in conference.
IPUPUI defeated Milwaukee 78-68. Emma Wittmershaus led the Panthers with 25. The Jaguars have won four straight as they come to the Kress Center on Monday night to take on the Green Bay Phoenix who will need a win to keep pace in the Horizon League race. Cleveland State and Youngstown State are 10-2 in conference action, GB is 9-2 in the Horizon, 16-4 overall. Tip off is at 7:00 PM Monday night.
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