It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Nebraska Cornhuskers (11-6, 2-2 Big 10) welcome the Wisconsin Badgers (9-8, 2-2 Big 10) to Pinnacle Bank Arena. The game begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 9, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 133.5 points with Nebraska opening as a 2.5-point favorite.
Wisconsin Badgers at Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Prediction
The last time the Badgers played, they were topped by the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 64-60. Rutgers’ 8.9 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Wisconsin, who had a rate of 20.7. The Scarlet Knights’ mark was better than their season average of 13.4, while the Badgers’ was above their season average of 15.3. Ethan Happ played well for Wisconsin, contributing 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Cornhuskers fell to the No. 13 Purdue Boilermakers in their last outing, 74-62. Purdue won the rebounding battle. The Boilermakers had 12 offensive rebounds and 39 total rebounds, while the Cornhuskers had seven and 30, respectively. With 22 points on 6-for-13 shooting, James Palmer Jr. was the top scorer from either team.
Wisconsin could have a difficult time creating turnovers. Nebraska ranks 47th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.7 percent), while Wisconsin forces the 244th-most turnovers (18.3 percent).
Wisconsin comes into the game with records of 9-8 straight up (SU) and 6-10 against the spread (ATS). Badgers games have no tendency in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Nebraska owns records of 11-6 SU and 10-5 ATS. Vegas is known to set the total high when the Cornhuskers are involved, as 10 of their 16 games have finished under the total.
Palmer Jr. has averaged 17.6 points and 5.8 rebounds over the last five games for Nebraska.
After the Badgers won the only game against the Cornhuskers last season, 70-69, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Wisconsin had a much better turnover percentage (15.0 vs. 23.8). Nebraska, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (47.6 vs. 33.3).
Wisconsin Badgers at Nebraska Cornhuskers Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Wisconsin, ATS Winner – Wisconsin, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Wisconsin is 1-5 ATS with 5 unders and 1 push.
At home, Nebraska is 6-1 ATS with 4 unders and 3 overs.
Wisconsin ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (28.9) while Nebraska ranks 237th (39.3).
The Cornhuskers rank 12th in blocks per game (5.9) while the Badgers rank 110th (3.2).
Nebraska ranks 32nd in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Wisconsin ranks 71st (6.0).
The Badgers rank 44th in assists allowed per game (11.5) while the Cornhuskers rank 82nd (12.6).
Wisconsin is third in the nation with 15.1 three pointers allowed per game while Nebraska is 28th with 18.4 three pointers allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Wisconsin is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Nebraska is 3-0 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Badgers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.6, up from 4.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cornhuskers have scored an average of 78.4 points per game (3.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.6 points per game (0.5 below their season average).
