The Western Michigan Broncos (4-8) battle the No. 15 Wisconsin Badgers (9-2) Friday. Tip from the Kohl Center in Madison is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
Wisconsin has had more than a 2-week break, playing its last game Dec. 15 when it beat Lehigh 78-56, failing to cover as 22.5-point favorites. The Badgers have covered 6 of their last 8 though. They are 8-3 against the spread (ATS) on the season. Their strength is defense, ranking 29th in opponents’ points per game (60.8).
Western Michigan beat Siena Heights 61-41 on Dec. 21, but that game didn’t have a spread. The Broncos are just 2-7 ATS this season with only 2 of their last 4 games being playable. They struggle all over the court, ranking 280th in opponents’ field goal percentage (44.9%) and 213th in FG percentage (44.1%).
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Western Michigan at Wisconsin odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Western Michigan +950 (bet $100 to win $950) | Wisconsin -3500 (bet $3,500 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan +21.5 (-115) | Wisconsin -21.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 124.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Western Michigan at Wisconsin picks and predictions
Prediction
Wiscinson 75, Western Michigan 51
Moneyline
PASS.
Let’s pass on betting the (-3500) favorite here and also not consider the 4-8 road underdog which is also 0-5 straight up away from home.
Against the spread
BET WISCONSIN -21.5 (-105).
The Badgers defend the ball and shoot from deep. Considering that, and that they have the best season-long ATS record in the Big Ten, Wisconsin is a solid play here.
The Badgers knocking down 37.4% of their 3-point attempts (good for 56th-best in the nation) is a strong reason why they should be able to pull away. They are 1-1 ATS with a double-digit spread as well.
The Broncos are 2-7 ATS and really haven’t proven they can play competently on either side of the court. Wisconsin should be able to shut them down offensively and also abuse their 265th-best 3-point defense (allowing opponents to shoot 34.7% per game).
Back WISCONSIN -21.5 (-105).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 124.5 (-115).
Wisconsin is 6-5 O/U this season and should take its foot off the gas late. Considering its strength is defensive, it could allow sloppy transition scoring if it’s up by a wide margin.
Western Michigan has scored at least 57 in both its Power 5 battles this season (57 against Iowa State and 60 against Minnesota). Wisconsin has gone Over in 4 of its last 5 as well as scoring at least 78 in 3 of its last 4.
Ultimately, back the OVER 124.5 (-115).
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