Now that the highly anticipated Packers-Cowboys showdown is over, area sports fans can collectively take a deep cleansing breath and move on to other pursuits -- like obsessing about the health of Brett Farve's "crazy bone."

In the meantime...

The basketball game that many fans longed for (whined about?) is upon us. Marquette will host UW-Milwaukee at 7 p.m. Friday at the Bradley Center.

Marquette (4-1), ranked 13th in the nation, has spent the past week recovering from a successful trip to the Maui Invitational, where it lost the championship game against Duke. Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, Wes Matthews, Jr., Maurice Acker and David Cubillan give the Golden Eagles depth, toughness and intensity that is hard to match.

UWM (3-3) has been inconsistent this season, particularly at the start of games. Torre Johnson, who has been the best athlete on the court for much of the season, is averaging nearly 19 points per game. He's been getting help from Paige Paulsen, but the Panthers have been inconsistent in the backcourt.

Marquette will enter this game as a heavy favorite and there is a strong chance that -- for now, at least -- fans may enjoy watching the series less than arguing about why it should be played.

Here is a look at the sports weekend:

FRIDAY

BIG APPLE BASKETBALL
The Bucks followed uplifting victories over the Cavs, Lakers and Mavericks with heinous showings against Philadelphia and Atlanta. They'll try to straighten things out against the Knicks, who were almost historically putrid Thursday night against Boston.

The Bucks were flat playing in front of small crowds Tuesday and Wednesday. That shouldn't be a problem at Madison Square Garden, but some Milwaukee teams have succumbed to the "Manhattan Flu."

ROAD WARRIORS
The Admirals, in the midst of an 18-game trip, square off against Quad Cities tonight. Milwaukee last played at home Nov. 20. The next home game will be Dec. 8.

BORDER BATTLE
Wisconsin's men's hockey team will spend the weekend at St. Cloud State. The women will play Duluth.

SATURDAY

HOME SWEET HOME?
The Bucks return to the Bradley Center to face off against Detroit. It will be interesting to see how fans receive the team. There were some disgruntled hecklers behind the home bench earlier this week.

JUST FOR KICKS
The Wave has had a relatively light schedule this season, so Keith Tozer is always worried about the team's rhythm. They'll square off against Monterrey La Raza at 6 p.m. at U.S. Cellular Arena.

SUNDAY

THE MALLS MAY BE CROWDED
With the Packers idle today, local retailers can expect brisk business. As long as it's not too cold, of course. Then again, out of market NFL games always draw huge ratings in thse parts, so pull up a seat on the couch and pass the pork rinds.