For all the accomplishments of Frank Kaminsky in his illustrious Wisconsin career, one of the things missing in his impressive resume is a Big Ten Tournament title. He can do something about that starting today as the Badgers begin their pursuit of a first conference crown in seven years when they square off with the Michigan Wolverines.
Who will emerge victorious in this quarterfinal clash? Read on below for a preview of this Big Ten matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the Big East semifinal between Providence and Villanova here.
[sc:MarchMadness ]Michigan Wolverines vs. Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview
Where: United Center, Chicago
When: Friday, March 13, 12:00 PM ET
Line: Michigan Wolverines (+14) at Wisconsin Badgers (-14) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
Betting on the Michigan Wolverines
Michigan barged into the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament with a 73-55 mauling of the Illinois Fighting Illini on Thursday. Aubrey Dawkins led the way for the Wolverines, putting up 18 points, three rebounds and two steals in only 24 minutes of action.
[sc:NCAAB240banner ]Dawkins has provided the necessary offensive boost for Michigan as of late, averaging 23.3 points in the Wolverines’ last three games. He’s shooting at a high 65.8 percent clip with Dawkins hitting 60.9 percent of his three-point attempts.
The Wolverines’ outside sniping was right on target against Illinois as they buried seven of their 15 long bomb attempts against the Fighting Illini. With Wisconsin’s tremendous size advantage, it is paramount for Michigan to spread the floor and get their perimeter game going against the Badgers.
In fact, the Wolverines managed to keep the game close against the Badgers in their only meeting this season because of their outside offense. Michigan shot 7 of 20 from beyond the arc in that game with Derrick Walton Jr. draining 2 of 5 three-point attempts.
Walton Jr. led the Wolverines in that outing with 17 points. It’s also a good news for head coach John Beilein is that Walton is declared fit and ready to go against the Badgers after a long absence. Walton missed the last 11 games because of a left toe/foot injury. Walton’s (10.7 PPG) return will be a huge boost to a Michigan offense that is averaging just 64.6 PPG this season, 246th in the entire nation.
The Wolverines are 3-2 ATS in their last five games.
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Betting on the Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin will enter the Big Ten tournament with momentum on their side after dismantling Ohio State, 72-48, in their final regular-season game Friday. It was the Badgers third consecutive win as they rebounded quite nicely from their 59-53 defeat to Maryland on February 24.
Frank Kaminsky has been simply unstoppable, averaging 25.3 points on 66.7 percent shooting during this three-game stretch. Kaminsky has been a vital cog to the Badgers’ success this season, leading the team not only in points (18.4 PPG) but also in rebounds (8.1 RPG) and blocks (1.6 BPG) as well.
What makes the Badgers such a tough matchup nowadays is that they have two more prolific scorers in the frontcourt to support Kaminsky – namely Nigel Hayes and Sam Dekker. The two are averaging in double figures as well, scoring 12.0 PPG and 13.1 PPG, respectively.
This vaunted frontcourt trio are expected to play a vital role in their last-eight showdown with Michigan. They combined for 47 points in their 69-64 overtime win over the Wolverines on January 24. Kaminsky scored eight of his 22 points in the extra period to power the Badgers to the win.
Key to their success in that game was their dominance inside the shaded area. Wisconsin outscored Michigan 30-22 inside the paint. Kaminsky led the way for the Badgers in that department with 16 paint points on 8-of-12 shooting.
The Badgers have won 14 of the last 16 games in the series, including both meetings in the Big Ten tourney.
The Badgers are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games.
Writer’s Prediction
Wisconsin (-14) crushes Michigan, 75-54.
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