December 3, 1988. The Wisconsin Badgers took a perfect 3-0 record into their game against in-state rival Marquette, in the championship game of the First Bank Classic. It was the first time the Badgers had played in the brand-new Bradley Center, and they made the most of it.
“We played…the first game in there. That’s kind of neat,” said team captain and All-American Danny Jones. “And of course we won the tournament, which was really neat. That’s probably the biggest moment that I can remember as far as Wisconsin versus Marquette.”
Jones helped lead the Badgers past Maine in the tournament semifinals, then played a key role in the Badgers’ 70-55 win over Marquette in the championship game. Jones was named the tournament’s most valuable player.
Later in the season, the two teams would meet again — this time in Madison — and the Badgers would come away with another win, 60-51.
Shining Moments in Badger History is sponsored by Marshfield Clinic.
Shining Moments radio feature for 12-16-13 First win at Bradley
