Marquette defeats Wisconsin in a thriller

Justin Lewis’ tip-in at the buzzer propelled the Marquette Golden Eagles over rival Wisconsin Friday night.

The Golden Eagles defeated the Badgers 67-65 to improve to 3-1 on the season. They gained a measure of revenge after Wisconsin defeated them last year in Madison, and only furthered the ping-ponging between the two programs over the last decade. The Golden Eagles have now won six of the last 11 matchups between the teams, as it was about as even as a series can be prior to the miraculous victory for MU.

The game was pretty much played as expected. Neither team really gave an inch to one another, as both teams struggled to find effectiveness. While Wisconsin is usually an efficient squad, Marquette’s defense gave them some hassles all night long. They shot just 43.8 percent inside and 29.2 percent from outside. Marquette meanwhile went 45.7 percent on 2-point tries and 35.7 percent on 3-point attempts.

Needless to say, free throws came up large for both. The Badgers and Golden Eagles shot 84.2 percent and 71.4 percent from the line respectively. D.J. Carton was tasked with shooting free throws at the end of the game, and while he did miss the last one... well, Lewis was right there to take the heat off and play the role of hero.

Lewis led the game in scoring with 18 points, including two of the most important at the buzzer. He also put pu eight rebounds and two blocks off the bench in 26 minutes of action. D.J. Carton and Jamal Cain joined him in double figures, as Carton and Cain scored 12 and 10 points respectively. Carton led the way with four assists, while Lewis and Dawson Garcia led with eight rebounds apiece.

MU is currently scheduled to play Green Bay on Tuesday.