It will be a showdown between two tremendous defenses when the Wisconsin Badgers (12-9, 5-5 Big 10) meet the 14th-ranked Michigan State Spartans (16-5, 8-2 Big 10) at Kohl Center. The game gets underway at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Michigan State Spartans at Wisconsin Badgers Betting Odds
In their last game, the Badgers lost to the 18th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes, 68-62, while the Spartans won big over the Northwestern Wildcats, 79-50.
Michigan State dominated every stat category in the game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 41.7 (above their season average of 34.4) and a turnover percentage of 14.8 (better than their season average of 15.8). Northwestern put up marks of 17.1 and 20.4, respectively, for those same stats. Wisconsin, on the other hand, held Iowa to an effective field goal percentage of 0.358 (below their season average of 0.527). Wisconsin received a boost from D’Mitrik Trice, who contributed 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Meanwhile, Xavier Tillman had a good outing for Michigan State, putting up 12 points and eight rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Tillman led the Spartans to a 67-55 win. He put up 15 points and nine rebounds. Michigan State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.3 vs. 22.5). Wisconsin, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (12.4 vs. 16.1).
Wisconsin should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Wisconsin ranks 26th in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.5 percent), while Michigan State forces the 23rd-fewest turnovers (16.6 percent).
Michigan State Spartans at Wisconsin Badgers Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Michigan State ranks fourth in rebounds per game (42.0) while Wisconsin ranks 219th (33.6).
- The Spartans rank 19th in blocks per game (5.4) while the Badgers rank 76th (3.8).
- Wisconsin ranks 22nd in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Michigan State ranks 68th (5.8).
- The Spartans rank second in assists per game (18.8) while the Badgers rank 209th (12.0).
- Wisconsin ranks 27th in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while Michigan State ranks 151st (22.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Badgers have been outscored by an average of 4.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Wisconsin has defeated opponents by an average of 4.9 points.
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 64.2 points per game (13.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.0 points per game (3.6 below their season average).
