After a canceled matchup with Northern Iowa, Wisconsin basketball (4-1) scheduled another Missouri Valley Conference opponent at the last minute. Loyola-Chicago (3-0) travels to Madison to face the Badgers tonight.
When: 7 PM CT
Where: Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin
Watch: Big Ten Network
Listen: 1310 WIBA (Matt Lepay and Mike Lucas)
Line: Wisconsin -8, Over/Under 133
Preview + Predictions:
With Wisconsin and Loyola-Chicago, you get two programs that mirror each other in many ways. The Rambles and Badgers both want to limit possessions, slow the game down, and win with half court defense. Senior big Cameron Krutwig leads a deep Loyola squad as their main option offensively. Krutwig was a key part of the Ramblers 2018 Final Four run, and has specifically improved as an offensive playmaker since then.
Surrounding Krutwig is a ton of high-level shooting for head coach Porter Moser. Guards Tate Hall, Lucas Williamson, and Braden Norris provide the ability to stretch the floor and make defenses pay for putting all the attention on Krutwig. The Ramblers were the best defensive team in the MVC last year according to points allowed per game, and so far this season have allowed just 55 points per contest through three games.
Wisconsin is coming off of a double-digit win over Rhode Island, in a game where senior guard Brad Davison led the team offensively. The Badgers also have the depth to beat you offensively with a multitude of guys, and the interior matchup of Krutwig against Reuvers and Potter will be one to watch.
For more on Loyola-Chicago, check out our detailed preview of the Ramblers from yesterday.
Prediction: This game will be as slow as any Wisconsin game all year long. Under 133 points has to be the play if you are looking for a Vegas pick, and Wisconsin should come away with a close win if they can limit Krutwig and recover well to shooters. The Badgers’ defense gets them over the hump in a tight one.
Wisconsin: 60 Loyola Chicago: 55