Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Wisconsin Badgers 1/3/19, Prediction & Odds

Golden Gophers vs. Badgers Prediction

The 22nd-ranked Wisconsin Badgers are off to a strong start in Big Ten Conference play with wins in their first two games. Is Wisconsin going to make it three conference wins in a row tonight as it hosts the Minnesota Golden Gophers?

Game Snapshot

655 Minnesota Golden Gophers at 656 Wisconsin Badgers

Thursday, January 3, 2019

Kohl Center at 9PM ET

TV: BTN

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Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Badgers are a 9.5-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 136.5 points. As of Thursday afternoon, 77 percent of public bets are pouring in on visiting Minnesota. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.

Golden Gophers earn fifth straight win

Minnesota rolled to a 71-53 home victory Sunday over Mount Saint Mary's to improve to 11-2 on the season. Dupree McBrayer paced a balanced scoring attack for the Golden Gophers with 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting including 3-of-6 from 3-point range plus 2-of-4 at the free throw line. Amir Coffey contributed 13 points plus two assists. Daniel Oturu had 12 points, 10 boards and three blocked shots. Jordan Murphy filled the stat sheet with 10 points, nine caroms, three assists, three blocks and two steals. Minnesota led 31-23 at halftime and expanded the advantage after the break. The Golden Gophers shot 22-of-52 from the floor, 4-of-19 on 3-point tries and 23-of-30 from the free throw line.

Badgers fall at Hilltoppers

Wisconsin suffered an 83-76 loss at Western Kentucky Saturday afternoon to fall to 10-3 on the season. The Badgers were outscored 53-42 in the second half of the defeat. Wisconsin shot 31-of-68 from the floor, 6-of-21 on 3-point attempts and 8-of-11 at the free throw line. Brad Davison paced the Badgers with 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting including 3-of-6 from 3-point range plus 5-of-6 at the free throw line. He also tallied four rebounds and four steals. Ethan Happ accounted for 20 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Khalil Iverson had 10 points. D'Mitrik Trice added 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.

College Basketball Betting Trends

Minnesota

The Golden Gophers are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games versus the Big Ten. Minnesota is 8-21 ATS in its last 29 games overall.

Wisconsin

The Badgers are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games versus the Big Ten. Wisconsin is 6-0 ATS in its last six Thursday games.

Prediction:

Wisconsin is always tough to beat on its home floor and will be highly motivated after a disappointing defeat. The Badgers are going to play another disciplined game and lean on its offense and defense which are both ranked 19th nationally in adjusted efficiency. Conversely, the Golden Gophers are ranked 75th in offensive efficiency and 63rd in defensive efficiency. Take the home team here.

 

NCAA DAILY PREDICTION: WISCONSIN BADGERS -9.5