The list of subplots for Saturday's game between the Golden Eagles and Madison provide a variety of options to peak fan interest for the noon tip-off.

(A) The game marks another meeting between the two schools in a rivalry that dates back to 1917.

(B) The meeting presents a chance for seniors Joe Chapman, Chris Grimm and Steve Novak to finish their careers 3-1 versus Madison.

(C) Wes Matthews makes his debut in the Kohl Center wearing blue and gold as opposed to red and white.

Upon further review, option "C" makes for the most interesting subplot.

A Madison native, Matthews chose Marquette over Madison, making for a potentially interesting response from the Kohl Center fans.

"From a player's standpoint, I'm expecting the worst," Matthews said. "But at the same time I'm not going to let that affect me, I'm going to go out there and perform and help the team win."

The build-up of returning to one's hometown to play in front of fans that thought you would be playing in front of them every game complicates things, but when both of your parents were athletes at that school, that's more eagles in the nest.

Matthews' dad Wes played his college basketball in Madison and his mother Pam Moore ran track and played basketball at the university, where Matthews says of his mother, "She'll be there cheering in the Marquette shirt. She'll be the brightest and loudest one there."

"There is no added pressure for me going into the game," Matthews said. "When you're at Marquette playing Wisconsin, there's already that added rivalry so you are going to get that built in enthusiasm from the whole team and the school."

The best way for Matthews to downplay the pressure of the game is to simply play the way he has been all season.

Besides being second on the team in assists, steals and free throw attempts, and third in scoring, the freshman has been at his best in the second half with his ability to go to the basket and draw fouls, looking to score more in the second half.

Dealing with the environment takes on a "less is more" approach for head coach Tom Crean dealing with his freshmen, especially Matthews.

"I think the less said, the better," Crean said. "I think going on the road to Nebraska would prepare them for going on the road. The main thing for us anytime you go on the road is you go in with a colletive mentality of 'We are going to make each other better, share the ball and help each other on defense."

So that's it right, no more sub-plots?

Not exactly, the game also sets up a match-up between Matthews and Marcus Landry, the first and second place finishers for 2005 Mr. Basketball in Wisconsin according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Landry has seen extended playing time for the Badgers this season, averaging 19.5 minutes, nine points and four rebounds per game.

"I guess it could be added as another subplot," Matthews said. "This game is way more than just me and Marcus. I could understand that in high school a little bit, but now we're in college and it's not about us, it's about our teams."