In this article, we will formulate a Wisconsin vs Minnesota prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, January 10th at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers are 12-3 (2-2) this year after they defeated Rutgers by a score of 75-63 in their last game. Wisconsin led 43-34 at halftime and held Rutgers to just 29 points in the second half in the win. The Badgers shot 54.4% from the field, 31.8% on three-pointers, and 100% on free throws in the game. John Blackwell led Wisconsin with 21 points and four rebounds, while Steven Crowl added 18 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, the Badgers defeated Iowa by a score of 116-85 and Detroit Mercy by a score of 76-53. Wisconsin has won four games in a row, but they did lose their first two games in conference play against Michigan and Illinois. Wisconsin has scored 83.3 points per game and they have allowed 71.3 points per game, while also averaging 36.5 rebounds and 15.7 assists per game this season. John Tonje is averaging 18.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while John Blackwell is averaging 15.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this year. Wisconsin is shooting 46.9% from the field, 85.5% on free throws, and 35.1% on three-pointers this season.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 8-7 (0-4) this season after they lost to Ohio State in overtime by a score of 89-88. Minnesota led 28-27 at halftime, but they couldn’t hold onto the lead and ended up losing in double overtime. The Golden Gophers shot 45.7% from the field, 41.4% on three-pointers, and 44.4% on free throws in the game. Parker Fox led Minnesota with 21 points and five rebounds, while Lu’Cye Patterson added 20 points and six rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Golden Gophers lost to Purdue by a score of 81-61 but did beat Morgan State by a score of 90-68 before that. Minnesota has lost four of their last six games and opened conference play with losses against Michigan State and Indiana. Minnesota has scored 68.8 points per game and they have allowed 66.7 points per game, while also averaging 34.3 rebounds and 16.1 assists per game this season. Dawson Garcia is averaging 18.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while Mike Mitchell Jr. is averaging 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this year. Minnesota is shooting 44.8% from the field, 61.8% on free throws, and 31.1% on three-pointers this season. Minnesota will face Maryland following this one.
Why Wisconsin will beat Minnesota
- Wisconsin has won 23 of its last 24 games at Kohl Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Minnesota has lost each of its last eight night games against the Big Ten Conference.
- Wisconsin has won the first half in each of its last seven night games against the Big Ten Conference at Kohl Center.
Wisconsin vs Minnesota Prediction
Minnesota comes into this matchup searching for their first Big Ten win of the season, but they will be on the road for this contest. The Golden Gophers started the season really struggling to score, but they have been better on offense recently. Minnesota nearly beat Ohio State in their last game, but they lost by 15 points in their lone road game against Indiana. Wisconsin has won four games in a row and they are scoring over 83 points per game this year. The Badgers have had some issues on defense this season, but they did hold Rutgers to just 63 points in their last game. I think Wisconsin’s defense is going to clamp down once again in this matchup, as Minnesota will really struggle to keep pace. Take Wisconsin at home.