The Wisconsin Badgers and the Providence Friars meet Tuesday in college basketball action from Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Wisconsin enters this one at 1-1 overall following a loss to Tennessee on Friday. As for Providence, they’re 2-0 on the season and coming off a win versus Milwaukee. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers didn’t have too many issues in their opener matchup versus Arkansas State. Wisconsin shot a nice 65 percent from the field in that one with 50 percent from 3-point range in a 105-76 blowout victory. Chucky Hepburn was the team’s leading scorer on 20 points, and AJ Storr added 15 points in 24 minutes.
Game two was a tough draw against Tennessee. The Badgers were down 43-35 at the half in that one and ultimately didn’t get any closer in an 80-70 defeat. Storr was the top scorer this time with his 17 points, while Steven Crowl added 14 points and nine rebounds. Hepburn managed 13 points as well.
Providence Friars
Over on the Providence side, they’ve had a couple of fairly routine wins so far. The Friars jumped out to a 42-27 edge at halftime in their opener versus Columbia, ultimately shooting a nice 49.2 percent from the field in a 78-59 win. Bryce Hopkins led the way on a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Providence had a fast start in game two versus Milwaukee as well. The Friars were up 39-26 by the break, then scored 40 more points in the second half for a 79-69 victory. Jayden Pierre was the lead scorer in that one on 16 points. Josh Oduro managed a double-double this time with 13 points and 12 boards.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to take a stab on Providence here. This should be a pretty fun matchup, and it’ll mark the toughest test of the young season so far for the Friars. Providence is coming off a bit of a tepid shooting performance versus Milwaukee, hitting 39.4 percent from the field and 65.4 percent (17-of-26) from the line. The team still notched a whopping 11 blocks and 18 assists, though. As for Wisconsin, they didn’t play too badly against a great Tennessee team—outside of the rough 6-of-24 (25 percent) from 3-point range and 14-of-23 (60.9 percent) from the line. These teams should match up well together, and it’ll be an entertaining one to watch. I like the Friars a little better cover-wise, though.
