It will be a showdown between two tremendous defenses when the Northwestern Wildcats (12-14, 3-12 Big 10) take on the 22nd-ranked Wisconsin Badgers (18-8, 10-5 Big 10) at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
Wisconsin Badgers at Northwestern Wildcats ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Wildcats lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes, 63-49, while the Badgers were victorious over the Illinois Fighting Illini, 64-58.
Wisconsin played a flawless game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.273 (above their season average of 0.169) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.4 (above their season average of 23.1). For those same stats, Illinois had marks of 0.179 and 22.2, respectively. Northwestern, on the other hand, held Ohio State to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.7 (below their season average of 28.6). Northwestern was led by Vic Law, who contributed 10 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Brad Davison had a good game for Wisconsin, putting up 18 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Ethan Happ led the Badgers to a 62-46 win. He recorded a triple-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. The Badgers’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Wildcats. Wisconsin had a rate of 10.5, while Northwestern posted a mark of 18.4.
Northwestern might have difficulty finding the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the nation’s best defenses. Wisconsin currently ranks 17th in defensive efficiency while the Wildcats rank 300th in offensive efficiency.
Wisconsin Badgers at Northwestern Wildcats Odds Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Wisconsin ranks ninth in assists allowed per game (9.8) while Northwestern ranks 144th (13.2).
- The Badgers rank 15th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Wildcats rank 89th (6.0).
- The Wildcats rank 134th in three pointers attempted per game (22.8) while the Badgers rank 238th (19.6).
- Northwestern ranks 55th in blocks per game (4.1) while Wisconsin ranks 140th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats have been outscored by an average of 6.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Northwestern has defeated opponents by an average of 1.8 points.
- During their last five games, the Badgers have scored an average of 60.0 points per game (9.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.6 points per game (1.6 below their season average).
