The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (+800 to win the national title) are still unbeaten. They have been throwing their weight around, but they should find themselves in a slugfest this coming Saturday in Madison against the dangerous Wisconsin Badgers (+8,000 to win the national title), who are looking to avoid a three-game losing skid.
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Betting Preview for the Michigan Wolverines vs. Wisconsin Badgers College Basketball Game on January 19, 2019
Where: Kohl Center, Madison
When: Saturday, January 19, 2019, 12:00 PM ET
Line: Michigan Wolverines (odds) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (odds) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Michigan Wolverines (17-0 Overall / 6-0 Conference)
The Wolverines just keep on rolling. They remain undefeated after walloping the Northwestern Wildcats at home on Sunday, 80-60. The Wildcats weren’t given much of a chance by Michigan, which blended great shooting and tormenting defense together to give Northwestern players a forgettable experience. The Wolverines shot 52.5 percent from the field and buried 11 treys on 27 attempts. The Wolverines did not want Northwestern to get any rhythm on offense, limiting the Wildcats to only 42.6 percent from the floor. The Wolverines have one of the most punishing defenses in the nation, as they are allowing just 56.6 points per game, third fewest in Division I basketball. Zavier Simpson, who is only averaging 8.6 points per game this season, exploded for 24 points with five three-pointers against the Wildcats. Three other Wolverines scored in double figures, including leading scorer Ignas Brazdeikis, who had 11. Brazdeikis paces the Wolverines this season with 15.6 points per game.
The Wolverines are 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last six road games.
Betting on the Wisconsin Badgers (11-6 Overall / 3-3 Conference)
The Badgers are just 1-4 SU in their last five games, including back-to-back losses to the Purdue Boilermakers at home and No. 19 Maryland Terrapins on the road, respectively, last week. The Badgers were a few bounces and breaks from winning those games against Purdue and Maryland, losing only by a combined eight points in those contests. It seems that finishing strong has been a problem of late for Wisconsin, an issue the Badgers will have to shake off, especially against a powerhouse team like Michigan. Ethan Happ will play a critical role for the Badgers. The senior has been operating as a do-it-all forward for the Badgers, as he’s averaging 19.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Happ is getting ample help, however from the likes of D’Mitrik Trice (14.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.8 APG) and Brad Davidson (10.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.9 APG). Wisconsin shoots efficiency from the field, ranking 28th in the league with a 48.3 shooting percentage. Defensively, Wisconsin is 20th nationally with 63.6 points allowed per contest.
The Badgers are 8-2 straight up (SU) in their last 10 home games against Michigan.
Writer’s Prediction
Michigan wins, 77-73.
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