Rutgers (8-6) vs Wisconsin (11-3)
Game Info: Monday, January 6, 2025 at 7:00 pm (Jersey Mike's Arena)
The Line: Betting Odds: Rutgers +1.5 / Wisconsin -1.5 — Over/Under: 156.5
In this article, we will formulate a Wisconsin vs Rutgers prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, January 6th at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers are 11-3 (1-2) this year after they defeated Iowa by a score of 116-85 in their last game. Wisconsin led 54-43 at halftime and added 62 points in the second half for the win. The Badgers shot 64.5% from the field, 67.7% on three-pointers, and 88.2% on free throws in the game. John Blackwell led Wisconsin with 32 points and eight rebounds, while Nolan Winter added 18 points and eight rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, the Badgers defeated Detroit Mercy by a score of 76-53 and Butler by a score of 83-74. Wisconsin has won three games in a row, but they did lose the previous three games against Illinois, Marquette, and Michigan. Wisconsin has scored 83.9 points per game and they have allowed 71.9 points per game, while also averaging 36.2 rebounds and 15.8 assists per game this season. John Tonje is averaging 18.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while John Blackwell is averaging 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this season. Wisconsin is shooting 46.3% from the field, 85.3% on free throws, and 35.3% on three-pointers this year.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 8-6 (1-2) this season after they lost to Indiana by a score of 84-74 in their last game. Rutgers trailed 41-34 at halftime and allowed 43 points in the second half in the loss. The Scarlet Knights shot 44.3% from the field, 28.6% on three-pointers, and 60.9% on free throws in the game. Ace Bailey led Rutgers with 39 points and eight rebounds, while Jamichael Davis added nine points and three assists in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Scarlet Knights defeated Columbia by a score of 91-64 but did lose to Princeton by a score of 83-82 before that. Rutgers has won three of their last five games and they started conference play with a loss to Ohio State and a win over Penn State. Rutgers has scored 79.3 points per game and they have allowed 75.0 points per game, while also averaging 36.9 rebounds and 13.9 assists per game this season. Dylan Harper is averaging 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, while Ace Bailey is averaging 19.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. Rutgers is shooting 46.2% from the field, 70.6% on free throws, and 33.2% on three-pointers this season.
Why Rutgers will beat Wisconsin
- Rutgers has won each of its last seven games at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
- Wisconsin has lost each of its last four road night games against Conference opponents.
- Wisconsin has lost the first half in each of its last three road night games against Conference opponents.
Why Wisconsin will beat Rutgers
- Rutgers has lost six of its last seven games against Conference opponents.
- Wisconsin has won four of its last five night games against Rutgers.
- Wisconsin has won the first half in six of its last seven games.
Total Points Facts
- Twenty-six of Rutgers’ last 27 games against the Big Ten Conference Conference at Jersey Mike’s Arena have produced a total of 156 or fewer points.
- Thirty-four of Wisconsin’s last 38 night games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 155 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Rutgers ranks T45th among Division 1 teams for free throw attempts per game this season (23.4).
- Wisconsin ranks T9th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (19.0).
- Wisconsin ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (121.1).
Wisconsin vs Rutgers Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup with 1-2 conference records, so this is a big game for each team trying to get back to .500. Wisconsin did just put up 116 points in their win over Iowa last time out, but they will be on the road for this game. The Badgers are scoring over 83 points per game, but they have allowed 88 and 86 points in their first two road games this season. Rutgers has a bad loss to Princeton and they lost by double digits at Indiana in their last game, but they are normally pretty good at home. The Scarlet Knights have had issues on defense this year, as they are allowing 75 points per game, so I do think we are going to see plenty of points in this one. Take the over here.