Badgers news: Picks, odds and prediction vs. Northwestern

On By Littum

Fresh off an 84-69 win over the USC Trojans, the No. 18 The Wisconsin Badgers are set to face off against the UCLA Bruins on Tuesday night, with tip-off set for 8:30pm at Pauley Pavillion.

The Badgers, who are 15-3, are riding a seven-game winning streak as their defense has improved while players like Steven Crowl have started to step up, leading the team back into the Top 25.

Meanwhile, the Bruins have started the year 12-6, most recently snapping a four-game Big Ten losing streak with a strong 94-70 blowout win over Iowa.

What are all pre match odds?

Odds (via FanDuel)

Spread: Wisconsin +3.5

Over/under points: 140.5

Forecast

Right off the bat, I’m honestly surprised Wisconsin is an underdog in this game. They’ve shown a strong sense of getting into a rhythm offensively, both in faster games, as well as the slugfests that Tuesday’s game is expected to be.

I think UCLA is better than their 12-6 record suggests as they are clearly still figuring out how to come together as a team while strain and physicality have been an issue, according to head coach Mick Cronin.

Outside of an ugly game against Michigan where turnovers proved costly, the Bruins have put together a strong defensive year so far, which should give the Badgers a test.

But UCLA is prone to giving up free throws, allowing at least 21 free throws in each of their last five games. That could be a big factor in a slower game, especially given how elite Wisconsin has been at the free throw line this season.

The Badgers could have trouble with forward Tyler Bilodeau, who provides a bit of a mismatch as a stretch-four/five that Wisconsin has struggled with at times this season.

Three-point shooting could also be a factor in this one for the Badgers. If they are able to be effective, they can run away in one as the Bruins are not that strong of a shooting team. Wisconsin shoots at a high volume and has been up and down for a good portion of the season with their efficiency. If they are on, this one can get away from UCLA.

Nevertheless, this should be a fun one, even if it’s on the latest tip that Wisconsin has seen in a while, especially for a conference game.

My prediction: Wisconsin +3.5

Odds/lines can be changed. T&Cs apply. See fanduel.com/sportsbook for details.