Wolverines vs. Badgers Prediction
The second-ranked Michigan Wolverines are likely one win away from jumping into the No. 1 ranking. Will undefeated Michigan get that victory today as small favorites at the Wisconsin Badgers?
Game Snapshot
605 Michigan Wolverines at 606 Wisconsin Badgers
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Kohl Center at 12PM ET
TV: ESPN
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our College Basketball Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the 2.5-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 126.5 points. As of Saturday morning, 55 percent of public bets are siding with visiting Michigan. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Wolverines stay unbeaten
Michigan secured an 80-60 home victory Sunday night over Northwestern to improve to 17-0 overall and 6-0 in Big Ten Conference action. The Wolverines dominated the first half as they led 50-28 at the break. Michigan shot 31-of-59 from the field, 11-of-27 from 3-point range and 11-of-13 at the free throw line. Zavier Simpson paced U-M with 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting including 5-of-10 on 3-point tries plus 1-of-2 at the free throw line. He also notched five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Jon Teske tallied 17 points, 11 boards, three steals and two blocked shots. Charles Matthews had 13 points, three caroms and three dimes. Ignas Brazdeikis added 11 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Badgers drop fourth in last five
Wisconsin fell to 11-6 overall and 3-3 in conference play Monday night with a 64-60 loss at Maryland. The Badgers trailed 33-15 at halftime before rallying back, but faltered again in the closing minute. Nate Reuvers paced Wisconsin with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting including 4-of-8 from 3-point range. He also pulled down seven rebounds. D’Mitrik Trice accounted for 13 points, five assists and four boards. Brad Davison tallied 11 points, four assists and two steals. Ethan Happ added 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists. The Badgers shot 23-of-60 from the field, 11-of-30 from 3-point range and 3-of-6 on free throws.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Michigan
The Wolverines are 25-7-1 ATS in their last 33 games versus the Big Ten. Michigan is 21-7-1 ATS in its last 29 road games.
Wisconsin
The underdog is 14-4 ATS in the last 18 meetings. The Badgers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games.
Prediction:
There is a lengthy history of teams losing just before or just after achieving the No. 1 spot in the nation. The Kohl Center is a very tough place to play and despite their struggles, the Badgers are still a top 15 team nationally in adjusted efficiency on defense while being ranked 31st offensively. Wisconsin is getting close to must-win status due to its recent struggles and will be going all-out in this one. Michigan has looked great in Big Ten play, but even the best teams have off days. I’m betting on that happening here.
NCAA DAILY PREDICTION: WISCONSIN BADGERS +2.5