Wisconsin Badgers (18-14) vs Liberty Flames (27-8)
Game Info: Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 12:00 pm (Kohl Center)
Betting Odds: Wisconsin Badgers -3.5 -- Over/Under: 128 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Liberty Flames will head up to Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the second round of the NIT from the Kohl Center on ESPN2. This will mark the first time these two schools cross paths.
Liberty Betting Preview
Liberty moved to 28-7 after defeating Villanova in Lynchburg in the first round. The Flames led the Wildcats at the break, and held on to down them by five, 62-57. Liberty is scoring 75.5 points per game, while allowing 60.5 ppg, and shooting 47.9% from the floor.
Liberty responded to a conference tournament final loss by picking up one of the more notable wins in school history, and they’ll look to double down here in Madison. Fifth-year senior Darius McGhee leads the charge for Liberty and he’s going out with a bang. The 5’9 guard has scored 26 points or more in seven of the last nine games, with the lone 26-point outing coming in the victory over Villanova. McGhee leads the ASUN in scoring at 22.6 ppg. Senior forward Kyle Rode is second on the team at 10.8 ppg, after scoring 23 points against Kennesaw State in the conference championship.
Wisconsin Betting Preview
Wisconsin closed at 17-14 after losing to Ohio State in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. The Badgers trailed the Bucks by a huge margin at the break, and ended up falling by eight points, 65-57. Wisconsin is scoring 64.9 points per game, while allowing 63.4 ppg, and shooting 41.5% from the field.
Wisconsin capitalized on hosting postseason action in round one, and they’ll look to deal the state of Virginia one final blow by knocking all of their schools out of the postseason. Veteran big Steven Crowl erupted for a career-high 36 points in the win over the Braves, and he now leads the Badgers in scoring (12.3) and rebounding (7.0). Senior forward Tyler Wahl (11.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg) has closed strong by posting double-doubles in three of the last six games, and he’ll look to respond to a quiet outing in round one. Freshman guard Connor Essegian added 14 points against Bradley, and he’s up to 12.1 ppg.
Liberty vs Wisconsin Trends
Liberty is 18-13-1 against the spread this season, with a 16-16 over/under record. Wisconsin is 13-16-1 ATS this year, with a 16-16 o/u record.
Corey's Free Pick
Liberty’s one man band may reach its final stop here in Madison. I can’t imagine the Badgers allowing stud guard Darius McGhee dictate this contest, especially at 5’9. McGhee has been one of the best scorers in the country this season, but he’ll face a stiff, defensive-minded Wisconsin team that should be fired up for some additional basketball here at the Kohl Center. Trust the Badgers on their home floor again, and take their spread for this matchup. Also, with an emphasis on keying in on McGhee likely in the cards for the host, give the under a look as well.
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Corey’s Pick Wisconsin -3.5
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
