It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Penn State Nittany Lions (7-2, 1-0 Big 10) welcome the Wisconsin Badgers (3-5, 0-1 Big 10) to Bryce Jordan Center. The game will air on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, December 4, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 137 points with Penn State set as a 5-point favorite.
Wisconsin Badgers at Penn State Nittany Lions Free Prediction
The Badgers are hoping for a better outcome after their 83-58 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in their last outing. Ohio State’s 27.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Wisconsin, who had a mark of 15.6. The Buckeyes’ mark was below their season average of 33.5, while the Badgers’ was below their season average of 26.2. Brad Davison was Wisconsin’s high scorer with 16 points on 4-for-8 shooting.
In the Nittany Lions’ last matchup, they were victorious over the Iowa Hawkeyes, 77-73. Penn State forced the Hawkeyes into a turnover percentage of 21.9 (above their season average of 15.8). Iowa, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.236 vs. 0.141). Lamar Stevens was Penn State’s leading scorer with 22 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
Penn State might struggle to put up points as they clash against one of the nation’s best defenses. Wisconsin ranks 41st in defensive efficiency, while the Nittany Lions rank 256th in offensive efficiency since last season. Also, the Badgers have committed the 55th-fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 17.0 percent), while the disruptive defense of the Nittany Lions has caused the 43rd-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.5 percent).
Wisconsin comes into the game with records of 3-5 straight up (SU) and 2-5 against the spread (ATS). Of the Badgers’ seven games with betting action, three have finished under, three have finished over and one has pushed.
Meanwhile, Penn State owns records of 7-2 SU and 4-2-1 ATS. Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Nittany Lions are involved, as 71.4 percent of their games have gone under the total.
The Badgers won the only contest against the Nittany Lions last season, 82-55. The Badgers made 21 of their 29 free throws (72.4 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.8 vs. 21.9).
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Wisconsin, ATS Winner – Wisconsin, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Wisconsin ranks 16th in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while Penn State ranks 274th (37.7).
The Badgers rank 75th in blocks allowed per game (3.0) while the Nittany Lions rank 251st (4.2).
Wisconsin ranks 10th in assists allowed per game (10.3) while Penn State ranks 144th (13.1).
The Nittany Lions rank 34th in steals per game (7.6) while the Badgers rank 122nd (6.6).
Wisconsin ranks 16th in three pointers allowed per game (17.6) while Penn State ranks 83rd (19.9).
