The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (17-0, 6-0 Big 10) visit Wisconsin to play the Badgers (11-6, 3-3 Big 10) in a game that will likely be low scoring. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
Michigan Wolverines at Wisconsin Badgers ATS Prediction
The last time the Wolverines played, they blew out the Northwestern Wildcats, 80-60. The Wolverines had 10 steals and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.619 (above their season average of 0.535). Michigan received a boost from Jon Teske, who put up 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The Badgers fell to the No. 19 Maryland Terrapins in their last game, 64-60. Maryland was successful at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Terrapins made 24 of their 29 free throws (82.8 percent), while the Badgers were just 3-6 (50.0 percent). Nate Reuvers had a good game for Wisconsin, leading the team in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
After the Wolverines won the sole game against the Badgers last season, 83-72, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Wolverines knocked down 18 of their 24 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.0 vs. 19.4).
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Wisconsin ranks 328th in possessions per game (66.0) and Michigan is 342nd (65.0). Ball protection should be an advantage for the Wolverines. They rank 7th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 14.6 percent). Conversely, the Badgers force the 82nd-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.7 percent).
Michigan at Wisconsin Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Wisconsin, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Michigan allows the third-fewest three pointers per game (16.2) while Wisconsin ranks 57th (20.3).
The Wolverines rank 43rd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Badgers rank 84th (3.3).
Michigan ranks 44th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while Wisconsin ranks 77th (33.6).
The Wolverines lead the country with 3.3 steals allowed per game while the Badgers are 10th with 4.7 steals allowed per game.
Michigan is eighth in the nation with 9.6 assists allowed per game while Wisconsin is 16th with 10.2 assists allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Wolverines’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.2, down from 17.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Badgers have scored an average of 67.8 points per game (6.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (4.8 above their season average).
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