The Wisconsin Badgers (10-11, 3-5 Big 10) will attempt to end their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the No. 9 Michigan State Spartans (18-3, 6-2 Big 10) at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, January 26, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 132 points with Michigan State set as a 16.5-point favorite.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Michigan State Spartans Free Prediction
The Badgers are hoping for a better outcome after their 85-67 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes in their last game. Iowa’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes had a rate of 0.283 (above their season average of 0.248), while the Badgers posted a mark of 0.169 (below their season average of 0.229). Ethan Happ was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
In the Spartans’ last matchup, they were victorious over the Illinois Fighting Illini, 87-74. The Spartans knocked down 23 of their 28 free throws (82.1 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 60.0 (above their season average of 37.8). With 21 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks, Jaren Jackson Jr. had a good outing for Michigan State.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Spartans currently rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (38.3 percent), while Wisconsin ranks 53rd in defensive rebounding percentage (74.5 percent).
Wisconsin heads into the game with records of 10-11 straight up (SU) and 7-13 against the spread (ATS). Badgers games have typically finished under the total (55.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Michigan State owns records of 18-3 SU and 13-8 ATS. Contrary to Wisconsin, Spartans games have typically finished over the total (57.9 percent).
After the Spartans won the only game against the Badgers last season, 84-74, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. Michigan State did a fantastic job of making free throws (21-23; 91.3 percent). Wisconsin, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (9.5 vs. 13.6).
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Michigan State Spartans Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Wisconsin is 1-8 ATS with 7 unders, 1 over and 1 push.
Michigan State is 9-4 ATS at home with 8 overs and 3 unders.
Michigan State ranks fourth in rebounds per game (42.3) while Wisconsin ranks 274th (31.6).
The Spartans rank first in assists per game (21.0) while the Badgers rank 183rd (12.9).
Wisconsin ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (15.5) while Michigan State ranks 170th (22.7).
The Spartans rank first in blocks per game (8.0) while the Badgers rank 109th (3.4).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Wisconsin is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Michigan State is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Badgers have been outscored by an average of 5.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Wisconsin has defeated opponents by an average of 2.5 points.
During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 76.8 points per game (8.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.0 points per game (8.9 above their season average).
