| MATCHUP | Wisconsin Badgers | Penn State Nittany Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 13-5 | 9-9 |
| Spread | -5.5 -112 | +5.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | -250 | +205 |
| Total | Over 159.5 (-105) | Under 159.5 (-115) |
| Where | Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA | |
| When | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | FS1 | |
Penn State Nittany Lions Preview
Penn State Nittany Lions have a 9-9 record this season and are tied in the 17th place of the Big Ten. They have a 0-7 conference record and are coming off a 96-73 away loss against Maryland. Their previous three games were a 71-60 home loss against UCLA, a 93-85 away loss against Purdue and a 74-72 home loss against Michigan.
Offensively, Penn State averages 76.8 points per game, while allowing 76.3 points per game defensively. The Nittany Lions shoot with 47% from the field and grab 30.4 rebounds per game, while dishing out 13.4 assists per game. They average 1.4 blocks per game and 7.5 steals per game defensively.
Kayden Mingo leads Penn State in scoring, with an average of 15.2 points per game, while shooting with 49.2% from the field and 75.5% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 4.5 assists. Ivan Juric is the team’s leading rebounder with 4.2 per game.
Wisconsin Badgers Preview
Wisconsin Badgers have a 13-5 record this season and are in the 6th place of the Big Ten. They have a 5-2 conference record and are coming off a 96-87 home win against Rutgers. Their previous three games were a 78-75 away win against Minnesota, a 91-88 away win against Michigan and an 80-72 home win against UCLA.
Offensively, Wisconsin averages 83.5 points per game, while allowing 75.7 points per game defensively. The Badgers shoot with 46% from the field and grab 36.7 rebounds per game, while dishing out 15.9 assists per game. They average 3.2 blocks per game and 6 steals per game defensively.
Nick Boyd leads Wisconsin in scoring, with an average of 19.9 points per game, while shooting with 48% from the field and 81.7% from the free throw line. Nolan Winter is the team’s leading rebounder with 8.7 per game. Kayden Mingo leads the team in assists with 4.5 per game.
Wisconsin Badgers @ Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Trends: January 22, 2026
Why the Penn State Nittany Lions will win
- Penn State has won six of its last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- The home team has won the first half in each of Wisconsin’s last four games.
Why the Wisconsin Badgers will win
- Penn State has lost each of its last seven games against Conference opponents.
- Wisconsin has won 13 of its last 14 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Wisconsin has won the first half in eight of its last nine road games against Penn State.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Wisconsin’s last six night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 158 or fewer points.
- Nine of Penn State’s last 10 home games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Penn State ranks 362nd among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (1.4).
- Penn State ranks 357th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (30.4).
- Wisconsin ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (30.9).
- Wisconsin ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (77.5%).
Wisconsin vs Penn State Prediction
In this Wisconsin vs Penn State Prediction, Wisconsin is coming as -5.5 road favorites. Wisconsin has been the better team this season and are coming into this matchup in very good form, as they are 6-1 in their last 7 games and 3-1 against the spread. On the flip side, Penn State has been on a free fall lately, with a 1-8 record in its last 9 games and 4-6 against the spread, while being weaker than Wisconsin both offensively and defensively. Wisconsin has back-to-back wins and covers against Minnesota and Michigan and I expect them to take care of business in this matchup. Take Wisconsin and lay the points on the road.