Wisconsin vs Rutgers: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | January 6, 2025

Tonight, the Scarlet Knights are back at Jersey Mike’s Arena, ready to face a Wisconsin squad that just went nuclear from three-point range. The Badgers are feeling themselves after a lights-out performance, but Rutgers is fired up to rebound from a tough battle against Indiana. It’s a clash of Wisconsin’s scorching offense and Rutgers’ lockdown defense. Let’s get into it!

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Wisconsin vs Rutgers Odds

Can Rutgers keep Wisconsin from replicating another massive shooting night?

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Spread

Wisconsin: -1.5 (-105)

Rutgers: +1.5 (-115)

Total

Over: 156.5 (-115)

Under: 156.5 (-105)

Moneyline

Wisconsin: -120

Rutgers: +100

Wisconsin vs Rutgers Bet

Let us get right into it, because what Wisconsin did in their last game is something that should not be replicated. On Friday against Iowa, the Badgers shot an astounding 64.5% from the floor and a jaw-dropping 67.7% from three. Yes, they shot almost 70% from deep, and no, it was not on just a few attempts. They went 21-of-31 from beyond the arc. Of course, it was against the Hawkeyes’ revolving-door defense, but that should not happen tonight on the road against the Scarlet Knights.

Wisconsin (@BadgerMBB) against Iowa today:

115+ points
60.0+ FG%
65.0+ 3P%
85.0+ FT%

No other DI team (men or women) has done that against another DI opponent in the last 25 seasons. pic.twitter.com/bnN8z3L40X

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) January 4, 2025

Rutgers is coming off a tough road loss to Indiana, falling 84-74. The Scarlet Knights shot 44.3% from the floor and 28.6% from deep. They were out-rebounded 41 to 34, but luckily that should not be an issue at home. The Scarlet Knights are one of the best defensive rebounding teams in the country.

Battle Tested Scarlet Knights

Against top-100 teams this season, Rutgers is 2-4 with losses against Alabama, Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Indiana. Their wins have come against Notre Dame and Penn State. This should be a spot where the Scarlet Knights thrive. In a matchup that opened with the Scarlet Knights as slight home underdogs against a team coming off the highest of highs from beyond the arc, the Rutgers defense should be able to hold down the Badgers.

At home this season, the Scarlet Knights rank in the top 75 in offense and the top 150 in defense. They excel at protecting the basketball, rebounding, and avoiding sending their opponents to the free-throw line. Their interior defense compensates for their mid-200s ranking in perimeter defense. Additionally, teams seem to struggle at the free-throw line at Jersey Mike’s Arena, shooting just 62.5% from the stripe.

Wisconsin, away from home this year, looks significantly different than they do at home. They are still fantastic on the inside, ranked in the top 10 nationally, but they will face a Rutgers defense ranked 95th in two-point defense. The Badgers are also ranked 223rd in three-point percentage, shooting 31.3% from deep. On the defensive side, they struggle at defending the interior, ranked 264th. They are further hindered by rankings in the 300s in turnover percentage, defensive block percentage, and free-throw rate.

Can History Repeat Itself?

Considering how well Wisconsin shot just three days ago, it is hard to back them in the hope they can replicate even a fraction of that success against Iowa. I took Rutgers +2 this morning. If you are feeling bold, take them to win outright. It is college basketball, so I always lean toward taking points when they are available.