Wisconsin vs. Marquette final score: 3 things we learned from the Badgers' 49-38 victory

1. It was a game of runs. Both teams went cold from the field throughout this one. Wisconsin jumped out to a quick 17-7 lead after going on an 8-0 run. Marquette answered with a 6-0 run of its own led behind senior guard Matt Carlino. Just when it looked as if Marquette would hang with Wisconsin, the Badgers went on another 8-0 run right before half.  Twice in the first half Marquette had five-minute scoreless droughts and entered the half with its lowest first half total this season, trailing 25-15. The Golden Eagles jumped out to a quick 7-0 run after the half cutting the Badgers' lead to two. Just like the first half, Wisconsin answered again this time with a 7-1 run. Marquette then cut the lead to two behind consecutive threes from Sandy Cohen and Deonte Burton. But with less than 10 minutes left, Wisconsin began to put Marqeutte away for good. The Badgers went on a 9-0 run and never looked back, leading 44-33. Twice more this half, the Golden Eagles went on scoreless droughts of four minutes or more. That just will not get it done against the number two team in the nation.

2. Wisconsin's length made the difference. Marquette is still awaiting Luke Fischer, its 7-footer's debut, but until then Steve Taylor remains the tallest Golden Eagles at 6-foot-7.  The Badgers exploited Marquette's height deficiencies by dominating the boards 41 to 29, with 14 offensive rebounds. Fortunately for Marquette, Wisconsin could not capitalize on second chance opportunities until 16:09 left in the game. Wisconsin's length also disrupted many of the Marquette guards' finishing ability at the rim. Shooting just 28 percent from the field and losing the rebound margin by 12 is not the blueprint for defeating a top five team in the nation.

3. Matt Carlino continued to show his worth. In a game where both teams struggled to find its offense, the senior transfer from BYU has continued to lead these Golden Eagles offensively.  Every time Marquette needed a big shot, Carlino stepped up. He was the only Marquette player to put up double-digit points, leading the team in scoring once more with 18 point on 6/11 shooting and three three-pointers. In the last four games, Carlino has averaged 19 points per game, but will need some help if Marquette wants to start winning these tough games.