Badgers at Bruins: Expert ATS Pick & Betting Preview For Tuesday

Wisconsin Badgers (15-3 SU, 11-7 ATS) vs. UCLA Bruins (12-6 SU, 10-8 ATS)

When: Tuesday, January 21st, 9:30 PM (ET)

Where: Pauley Pavilion, CA, Los Angeles

TV: PEAC

Point Spread: WISC +3.5/UCLA -3.5 (Bet it FREE with a 100% sportsbook bonus!)

Total: 139.5

Money Line: Wisconsin Badgers +125/-152

Notable Injuries

Badgers

• Camren Hunter (Questionable) Undisclosed

Bruins

• Dominick Harris (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Evan Manjikian (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Brandon Williams (Out) Redshirt
• Devin Williams (Out) Redshirt
• Christian Horry (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Eric Freeny (Out) Redshirt

Recent Form

Wisconsin Badgers Recent Game/Games

Wisconsin improved to 15-3 on the season with an 84-69 road win over USC on Saturday. The Badgers entered the game as +1.5 point underdogs but not only pulled off the upset, they also covered the spread.

Wisconsin jumped out to a 42-27 lead by halftime and matched USC point-for-point in the second half, with both teams scoring 42. The game’s total points of 153 exceeded the O/U line of 151.5.

UCLA improved to 12-6 on the season with a 94-70 win over Iowa on Friday. Playing at home, the Bruins entered the game as -6.5 favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game reached 164, surpassing the over/under line of 151.5.

UCLA dominated the first half, leading 57-24 at the break. However, they allowed 46 points in the second half while scoring 37, showing some defensive lapses after halftime.

Analysis

Wisconsin’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their latest game, putting up 84 points with a field goal percentage of 56.4%. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 65.5%, thanks in large part to their 81.5% shooting from two-point range (22/27). From beyond the arc, they hit 9 of 28 attempts, shooting 32.1%, and they were solid at the free-throw line, making 13 of 15 for 86.7%.

John Blackwell led the way with 28 points, shooting 62.5% from the field, though he struggled from three, hitting just 2 of 7 attempts. Saint Thomas added 19 points, connecting on 2 of 3 from deep, while Max Klesmit contributed 18 points despite going 2 for nine from three-point range. Nolan Winter was nearly perfect, hitting 6 of 7 shots overall and 1 of 2 from three, finishing with 13 points and five rebounds.

Despite Wisconsin’s defensive efforts, they allowed 69 points on 49% shooting from the field. The opposing team found success inside, hitting 52% of their two-point attempts, going 20/38.

From beyond the arc, Wisconsin’s defense gave up six threes on 15 attempts, a 40% shooting clip. They also sent the other team to the line 17 times, where they made 11 free throws, shooting 64%.

UCLA put up 94 points in their last game, shooting 62.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 69%. They were dominant inside, hitting 80% of their two-point attempts (28/35) while shooting 34.8% from beyond the arc (8/23). At the free-throw line, they converted 70% of their attempts (14/20).

The Bruins dished out 26 assists, with Eric Dailey Jr. leading the way with 23 points and four assists, shooting 66.7% from the field. Josh Dix added 19 points, hitting 5 of 7 threes (71.4%). Tyler Bilodeau contributed 18 points, shooting 80% (8/10), and William Kyle III went 6/7 from the field, finishing with 12 points.

UCLA’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 70 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 62% from the field. They were particularly vulnerable inside, where they allowed 28 two-point baskets on 35 attempts, an 80% success rate.

From beyond the arc, UCLA’s opponents hit 8 of 23 three-point shots, a 34% shooting percentage. The Bruins also sent them to the free-throw line 20 times, where they converted 14 attempts, shooting 70%. UCLA allowed 11 offensive rebounds in the game.

Betting Trends

• When looking at their past three road matchups, Wisconsin has an ATS record of 3-0 while averaging 80 per game. The team went 3-0 overall in these games.
• Although UCLA has a straight-up record of 2-3 in their last five home games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 2-3. The team averaged 61 points per game in these games.
• In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Badgers have a strong straight-up record of 3-2. In addition, their ATS record was 4-1 in these scenarios.
• Going back to their last five games as the favorite, the Bruins have a straight-up record of 2-3. But their mark vs the spread was just 2-3.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

Heading into this Big 10 matchup, the Bruins are favored by -3.5 at home. Yet, this isn’t as big of a travel disadvantage for the Badgers, as they were already in LA due to their previous game vs USC. Wisconsin has had no problem putting up a lot of points this year, and I see them covering at +3.5.