The weekend is finally here! We only have to get through this beautiful Friday to get into a weekend filled with great games. I will dive into one of the best games on the Friday slate. Shockingly, this will not be a system bet. Those come on Saturday, so be ready.
⛈️Fade The Storm⛈️
Ohio State on Saturday https://t.co/ABhwfYzTA9 pic.twitter.com/IwZ4nFcRyc
— Colby Marchio (@ColbyMBets) January 17, 2024
Indiana vs #11 Wisconsin Betting Odds
Picks in this piece are courtesy of Bovada. At Bovada, you can get great odds on all of the top college basketball matchups every day.
Spread
Indiana: (+11.0) (-110)
Wisconsin: (-11.0) (-110)
Total
Over: 144.5 (-105)
Under: 144.5 (-115)
Moneyline
Indiana: +460
Wisconsin: -675
Write Up Transparency
Let’s check in on how I have been doing betting on college hoops since joining Betting News.
- 6-7 (46%)
(As of January 19, 2024)
Indiana vs #11 Wisconsin Prediction:
Chucky Hepburn hushes crowd
Arguably, the best game on the Friday slate. Two teams are in dire need of a win heading into the weekend. Both coming off tough losses, but one of those losses stung just a little more.
On Tuesday, Penn State upset #11 Wisconsin 87-83. The Badgers struggled to take care of the ball, ending the game with 13 turnovers. This is very unlike this Badgers squad, who are 50th in offensive turnover percentage.
On the other hand, the Hoosiers’ 87-66 loss to #2 Purdue is more embarrassing. I beg to differ. Indiana does not have the firepower to go toe-to-toe with Purdue. That was an expected loss. They are not good. On that note, you can imagine where I will be going in this one, so let’s get into the stank.
*For reference* In my made-up world, Stank means “juicy research.”
The Stank:
Another day, another opportunity to fade the Indiana Hoosiers on the road. Although coming off that loss would seem like a great spot to take them Friday night, but they cannot play on the road. Usually, they are a top-100 offense at home, but once they step outside of Bloomington. The Indiana Hoosiers forget how to play.
On the road this season, they are 207th in adjusted offensive efficiency, according to Bart Torvik. They are in the 300s in free throw percentage (8th worst), offensive turnover percentage (22nd worst), and defensive free throw rate ( 53rd worst). Indiana is an absolute mess.
The hands, the coordination and the basket over a good shot-blocker. 👀@zach_edey x @BoilerBall
📺: Peacock pic.twitter.com/LoCRQ8HsSk
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) January 17, 2024
Wisconsin basketball is thriving this season. Minus the loss to Penn State, they look fantastic on both ends. Last year, they were not consistent offensively; now Haslametrics has them as the 70th most consistent team in the country. The Badgers are in the top 65 in adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency at home. Some of their notable wins at home this season are Marquette, Iowa, Nebraska, and Northwestern. The Badgers won by an average of 11.5 points in all those games.
Oh, wow! What was the spread again?
These boys should be ready to go come Friday night after that loss to Penn State. We already know the students will be prepared to tear the roof off of the Kohl Center. Typically, home teams control the pace, and Wisconsin likes to play it slow, unlike Indiana, which is in the top 125 in pace. Make the Hoosiers uncomfortable, and they should come out on top.
Prediction: Wisconsin Wins
Concerns: Indiana learns how to be efficient offensively on the road. Outside of that, I feel confident about the Badgers Friday night.
Pick: Wisconsin (-11.0) Get These Odds & Sign Up Bonus @ Bovada
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