Free CBB Pick: Nebraska vs. Wisconsin Betting Preview & Predictions

Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-7 SU, 10-9 ATS) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (15-4 SU, 12-7 ATS)

When: Sunday, January 26th, 1:00 PM (ET)

Where: Kohl Center, WI, Madison

TV: BTN

Point Spread: NEBR +8.5/WISC -8.5

Total: 150.5

Money Line: Nebraska Cornhuskers +270/-340

Notable Injuries

Cornhuskers

• Rienk Mast (Out) Redshirt
• Justin Bolis (Questionable) Undisclosed

Badgers

• Camren Hunter (Questionable) Undisclosed

Recent Form

Nebraska Cornhuskers Recent Game/Games

Nebraska fell to 12-7 on the season after a 78-73 home loss to USC on Wednesday. The Cornhuskers, who were -7 favorites going into the game, failed to cover the spread.

They led 33-31 at halftime but allowed 47 points in the second half while scoring 40. The total points for the game were 151, surpassing the O/U line of 144.5.

Wisconsin Badgers Recent Game/Games

Wisconsin’s record dropped to 15-4 after an 85-83 road loss to UCLA on Tuesday. The Badgers entered the game as +3.5 underdogs and managed to cover the spread but couldn’t secure the win.

Wisconsin led 41-36 at halftime but allowed 49 points in the 2nd half while scoring 42. The combined points of 168 exceeded the O/U line of 142.5.

Analysis

Nebraska’s offense put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 49.1% from the field. They excelled inside, hitting 71% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 5 of 24 threes (20.8%). Their effective field goal percentage was 54.5%, and they made 82.4% of their free throws.

Juwan Gary led the way with 27 points despite missing all 5 of his three-point attempts. Desmond Claude added 21 points and six assists, while Rashaun Agee contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, hitting 4 of 6 threes.

Nebraska’s defense struggled inside, allowing 78 points on 49% shooting from the field. The Cornhuskers gave up 22 two-point baskets on 31 attempts, a 71% success rate for their opponent.

From beyond the arc, Nebraska held their opponent to 5 threes on 24 attempts, a 20% shooting performance. They also sent them to the free-throw line 17 times, where they made 14, shooting 82%. Nebraska allowed six offensive rebounds.

Wisconsin’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 83 points with a 51% shooting performance from the field. They connected on 15 of 30 three-point attempts, shooting 50% from deep, and finished with an effective field goal percentage of 65.3%. At the free-throw line, they were nearly automatic, hitting 18 of 21 for 85.7%.

John Tonje led the way, scoring 24 points on 8 of 9 shooting, including 6 of 7 from beyond the arc. Aday Mara was perfect from the field, going 7 for seven and adding 22 points in just 21 minutes. John Blackwell contributed 23 points, despite shooting 5 of 14 overall.

Despite Wisconsin’s defensive efforts, they allowed 85 points on 50% shooting from the field. The opposing team found success inside, hitting 60% of their two-point attempts, going 23/38.

From beyond the arc, Wisconsin held their opponent to 31% shooting, with six made threes on 19 attempts. They also sent the other team to the line 28 times, where they converted 21 free throws at a 75% rate.

Betting Trends

• In their last three games away from home, the Cornhuskers have a straight-up record of 0-3 while going 1-2 vs. the spread. The team averaged 73 points per game in this stretch.
• Wisconsin has played well in their previous five home games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 81 points per game while allowing 75. The team also performed well vs. the spread at 5-0.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Cornhuskers have a straight-up record of 0-3 and an ATS mark of 1-2.
• Through their last three games as the favorite, the Badgers have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 3-0.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

Wisconsin went 1-1 in their trip to LA, but they fell just short in their previous game vs UCLA. Now, they are back at home and take on a Nebraska team that just lost to USC at home. Wisconsin is definitely the better team in this one, but I don’t think they are -8.5 points better than Nebraska. I’m taking the Cornhuskers to cover this number.