A defensive battle should be expected when the Wisconsin Badgers (13-6, 5-3 Big 10) and the Northwestern Wildcats (12-7, 3-5 Big 10) face off at Kohl Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 2:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 26, 2019.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Wisconsin Badgers ATS Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last outing, they beat the No. 25 Indiana Hoosiers, 73-66. The Wildcats had an absurdly low turnover percentage of 7.1 (better than their season average of 15.3) and had a free throw rate of 0.396 (above their season average of 0.257). Dererk Pardon played a key role for Northwestern with 17 points and six rebounds.
The Badgers beat the Illinois Fighting Illini in their last outing, 72-60. The Badgers made 17 of their 21 free throws (81.0 percent) and held the Fighting Illini to an effective field goal percentage of 0.387 (below their season average of 0.501). Nate Reuvers was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Badgers won the most recent matchup 70-64. The Badgers’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Wildcats. Wisconsin had a rate of 14.5, while Northwestern posted a mark of 19.3.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams clash. Wisconsin ranks 328th in possessions per game (66.0) and Northwestern is 282nd (67.6). Moreover, the Wildcats rank 56th in turnover percentage (16.9 percent), while the Badgers rank 262nd in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.9 percent).
Northwestern at Wisconsin ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Wisconsin, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Wisconsin ranks 17th in assists allowed per game (10.2) while Northwestern ranks 126th (13.1).
The Wildcats rank 149th in three pointers attempted per game (22.5) while the Badgers rank 234th (19.8).
Wisconsin ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Northwestern ranks 93rd (6.1).
The Wildcats rank 29th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Badgers rank 93rd in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
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The Wildcats have been outscored by an average of 2.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Northwestern has defeated opponents by an average of 6.1 points.
During their last five games, the Badgers have scored an average of 69.4 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.8 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
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