Wisconsin vs. BYU March Madness Preview and Prediction
In the No.3 vs. No. 6 matchup in the NCAA Tournament East Region, the Wisconsin Badgers face the BYU Cougars in second-round action.
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How to Watch Wisconsin vs. BYU
When: 7:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 22nd
Where: Ball Arena in Denver, CO
Watch: CBS
Odds for Wisconsin vs. BYU
(odds current at time of publish)
Spread: Wisconsin -1.5 (-110), BYU +1.5 (-110)
Total: Over 153.5 (-115), Under 153.5 (-105)
DraftKings Betting Splits | Live College Basketball Odds | Wisconsin vs. BYU Matchup Page
Wisconsin vs. BYU Preview & Prediction
We’ve got a really good second-round game here between Wisconsin and BYU, as the Badgers took care of business against Montana and covered all numbers as a 16.5-point favorite. BYU rolled in what was thought to be a good matchup and a competitive game, sticking it to VCU with a nine-point victory as a 2.5-point favorite.
As BYU celebrated, DraftKings opened up with Wisconsin as a small favorite, as the Badgers are higher-rated for both KenPom and Bart Torvik. It will be interesting to see how the market treats this game as we get closer to tip-off.
Wisconsin will be a real contrast in style for BYU, as VCU is in-your-face looking to force turnovers and score in transition. The Badgers are one of the worst teams in the nation when it comes to generating takeaways. They’re still a solid defense that ranks in the top-50 in eFG%, but you can shoot over top of them with some good ball movement and that is precisely what BYU should look to do. Wisconsin was outside of the top 100 in 3P% offense and defense, an area where the Cougars could find some success.
That being said, while BYU was a top-40 offense in 3P%, they were in the 240s in 3P% defense entering the tournament. Wisconsin has no qualms about firing from 3, as their 3P Rate ranks in the top 20 nationally. This game likely becomes a distance shooting contest, as I don’t think we see a ton of slashing to the basket or shot attempts at the rim. BYU ranks in the top 10 in FG% on Close Twos, but in the 330s in shot share on Close Twos per Bart Torvik. The Cougars are also tops in the nation at keeping teams away from the rim, something that badly hurt VCU.
Wisconsin is comfortably in the top 10 in shot share against on Close Twos as well. So, that makes this something of a high-variance game. The team that hits more of their 3s should win. We shouldn’t see a lot of turnovers. BYU may have the slight edge on the offensive glass, but Wisconsin is a top-notch defensive rebounding team. Maybe the Badgers’ advantage at the free throw line makes the difference, but this should be a 3-point contest in the second round and that will decide the game.
Estimated Score: Wisconsin 78, BYU 77
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