The 12th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers (8-1) and the Marquette Golden Eagles (7-2) face off at Fiserv Forum. The Badgers will attempt to lengthen their five-game winning streak. The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 8, 2018.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Marquette Golden Eagles ATS Odds
Both teams had no trouble getting past their last opponent. The Golden Eagles defeated the UMBC Retrievers 67-42, while the Badgers beat the Coppin State Eagles 85-63.
Wisconsin played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 6.5 and a free throw rate of 0.377. For those same stats, Coppin State was 17.5 and 0.169, respectively. The Golden Eagles, meanwhile, had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.467 vs. 0.274) and had a better free throw rate (0.183 vs. 0.129). Marquette rallied around Markus Howard, who had 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Ethan Happ played a huge role in the victory for Wisconsin, accumulating 10 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds on his way to his zeroth triple-double this season.
The Golden Eagles won the sole game between these two teams last season, 82-63. Marquette had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.655 vs. 0.463). Wisconsin, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.241 vs. 0.182).
The prolific offense of Marquette will square off against the mid-tier defense of Wisconsin. Dating back to last season, the Golden Eagles rank 33rd in offensive efficiency, while the Badgers are 158th in defensive efficiency. The Golden Eagles figure to have the edge on that end of the court.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Marquette, ATS Winner – Wisconsin, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Marquette ranks 33rd in three pointers attempted per game (26.3) while Wisconsin ranks 257th (19.3).
- The Badgers rank 25th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while the Golden Eagles rank 147th (6.2).
- Wisconsin ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (31.4) while Marquette ranks 70th (33.1).
- The Badgers rank 33rd in assists allowed per game (10.9) while the Golden Eagles rank 209th (14.2).
- Marquette ranks 37th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Wisconsin ranks 177th (3.6).
