Expect a defensive struggle when the 19th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers (17-6, 9-3 Big 10) clash against the seventh-ranked Michigan Wolverines (21-2, 10-2 Big 10) at Crisler Center. Action starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Wolverines defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 77-65, while the Badgers beat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 56-51.
Wisconsin dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a great turnover percentage of 8.7 (better than their season average of 12.9) and a free throw rate of 0.218 (above their season average of 0.178). For those same stats, Minnesota was 12.5 and 0.175, respectively. Michigan, on the other hand, played a nearly flawless game. They had a superb turnover percentage of 9.7 (better than their season average of 12.8) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.543 (above their season average of 0.517). Rutgers had marks of 12.2 and 0.457, respectively, for those same stats. Ignas Brazdeikis had a solid performance for Michigan, finishing with 23 points and five rebounds. Ethan Happ fueled Wisconsin with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Happ led the Badgers to a 64-54 win. He notched a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. The Badgers’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Wolverines. Wisconsin had a rate of 15.1, while Michigan posted a mark of 21.4.
Points could be at a premium as two of the country’s best defenses square off. Michigan ranks third in defensive efficiency (87.1) and Wisconsin is 17th (93.2). Moreover, the Badgers rank 319th in offensive rebounding percentage (23.6 percent), while the Wolverines rank 29th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.0 percent).
Wisconsin at Michigan Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Wisconsin, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Michigan ranks 144th in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while Wisconsin ranks 231st (20.0).
- The Badgers and Wolverines average 9.8 assists allowed per game, which ranks eighth in the country.
- The Wolverines rank 45th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Badgers rank 117th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- Michigan allows the fewest steals per game (3.7) while Wisconsin ranks 15th (4.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Badgers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, up from 10.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 65.8 points per game (5.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 58.2 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
