The hatred will continue: Wisconsin renews the hoops rivalry with Marquette

Wisconsin has announced that they will renew the I-94 rivalry between Marquette.
Dec 7, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA;  Marquette Golden Eagles forward David Joplin (23) drives for the basket between Wisconsin Badgers forward Steven Crowl (22) and guard John Blackwell (25) during the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles forward David Joplin (23) drives for the basket between Wisconsin Badgers forward Steven Crowl (22) and guard John Blackwell (25) during the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Wisconsin vs. Marquette is a rivalry that neither fan base would want to see disappear. Hating on each other is part of what makes the banter in the streets so special. The good news is that when it looked like it might go away after the series expired in 2024-2025, the Wisconsin Badgers announced that it will continue. And that the game is coming to the Kohl Center on December 6, 2025.

Wisconsin and Marquette will play each other again next season, keeping the rivalry alive

Last year, the Badgers traveled east on I-94 to take on Marquette at the Fiserv Forum. The game did not go as Badgers fans had hoped, with Marquette winning 88-74. However, the Badgers ended up having a better season in the long run than the Golden Eagles.

The year before, Wisconsin took down Marquette in a game at the Kohl Center in a final score of 75-64. A game in which Max Klesmit (no stranger to the rivalry) scored 21 points in an impressive win for the Badgers.

This rivalry has existed forever, and these two teams have faced off 131 times total, with the Badgers taking the overall win/loss 71-60. Wisconsin was on a three-game win streak against the Golden Eagles before the loss last season. They will be looking to get back to their winning ways against Marquette, and Wisconsin fans will be there to stir the rivalry hate and make sure the rivals to the east hear it.

It's good for the state and for the two programs to continue to play each other. It's also really good for the fan bases, who love a good rival and can talk smack about the other over the water cooler or in the neighborhoods. It's good to see it's being renewed for another season, at least.