The Wisconsin Badgers (4-7) challenge the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (6-3) at Kohl Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 13, 2017.
Wisconsin opened as a 7.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 135 points.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Wisconsin Badgers Betting Prediction
The Hilltoppers are hoping for a better outcome after their 89-84 loss to the Ohio Bobcats in their last contest. Ohio was effective at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Bobcats made 31 of their 35 free throws (88.6 percent), while the Hilltoppers were just 15-24 (62.5 percent). Western Kentucky’s Justin Johnson put together a solid outing, recording 16 points and 13 rebounds.
In the Badgers’ last matchup, they were blown out by the Marquette Golden Eagles, 82-63. Marquette’s 0.655 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Wisconsin, who had a rate of 0.463. The Golden Eagles’ mark was above their season average of 0.570, while the Badgers’ was below the 0.545 mark opponents have averaged against Marquette this season. With 17 points and nine rebounds, Wisconsin’s Ethan Happ put together a solid performance.
Ball protection could play a significant role in this meeting. Since last season, Wisconsin has committed the 39th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 17.0 percent), while the gambling defense of Western Kentucky has forced the 29th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.7 percent).
Western Kentucky holds records of 6-3 straight up (SU) and 5-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total low when the Hilltoppers are involved, as four of their 7 games have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin is 4-7 SU and 3-7 ATS. Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of Badgers games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Wisconsin Badgers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Wisconsin, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Wisconsin ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (17.6) while Western Kentucky ranks 148th (22.5).
The Badgers rank 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.1) while the Hilltoppers rank 130th (34.6).
Wisconsin ranks 39th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Western Kentucky ranks 109th (14.4).
The Hilltoppers rank 82nd in blocks per game (3.4) while the Badgers rank 137th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
Western Kentucky averages 5.1 steals per game, which ranks 52nd in the NCAA. Wisconsin ranks 58th in steals allowed per game (5.4).
