Sophomore forward Sam Dekker of Sheboygan leads Wis. Badgers

MADISON (WITI) -- After back-to-back losses against their in-state rival, the Wisconsin Badgers finally beat Marquette University on Saturday, December 7th, and while there's no "I" in Badgers, a certain someone led them to victory.

Sheboygan native Sam Dekker picked up his second double-double of his career against Buzz Williams' Golden Eagles on Saturday.

The unstoppable Dekker finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

"I was pretty aggressive and pretty efficient from my standards, but I can get better with the opportunities I've passed up. I didn't really have a complete game. There's a lot of spots I can improve," Dekker said.

When asked how to describe Dekker in one word, Badgers Coach Bo Ryan said "brats."

"Have you ever had Sheboygan brats? They're really good," Ryan said.

That's probably Ryan's way of saying Dekker is really good.

"Sam brings a bigger than average guy who attacks the rim and normally he's a really good passer. He's a big guy who can do multiple tasks and defensively, he's trying to get better," Ryan said.

Marquette Coach Buzz Williams never holds back his feelings -- especially after a loss, and that held true in his describing playing against Dekker.

"I think from a talent perspective, I think Sam Dekker is really, really good -- playing a lot of different ways, can guard multiple guys, plays extremely hard, understands how to play fundamentally. I think he's great," Williams said.

Dekker couldn't wait to play against Williams and the Golden Eagles. Growing up in Sheboygan he says made him take this rivalry seriously.

"The city is pretty split -- half Marquette, half Wisconsin, and I was always cheering for Wisconsin in the game, and now I get to put on a jersey and play, and it's a great blessing and obviously you never forget. To play well doing that was very gratifying. Being a Wisconsin kid, this game means a lot to me," Dekker said.

So what will we see from the sophomore forward in the future?

Ryan expects his progress to continue, and says Dekker is an exceptional teammate because of his preparations.

"What Sam's trying to do is he's trying to be the guy who gets the scouting report. Mentally, physically, this is what I can do. This is what I gotta do. These are the opportunities my teammates created for me. It's the same for every game," Ryan said.

The Badgers host UW-Milwaukee on Wednesday night, December 11th. If they get the win, they will sweep all of their in-state rivals for the year.