Wisconsin vs Arizona Prediction & Picks: Top-Ranked Wildcats Set for Badger Battle in Tucson

Since suffering two early losses, the Wisconsin Badgers have been one of the hottest teams in college basketball. Continuing their sizzling streak going today, however, will take some doing, as the challenge that faces them is a showdown with #1 Arizona in Tucson (3:15 pm ET, ESPN).

Wisconsin opened the season by dropping 105 points on Arkansas State in a blowout win but fell at home to Tennessee and at Providence in their following two games.

But since the loss to the Friars, the Badgers have been in blazing form, winning six consecutive games. That run includes a 24-point win over Virginia in the Fort Myers Tip-Off, an 11-point home win over Marquette, and their most recent win, a 13-point victory at Michigan State on Tuesday.

Bet on Wisconsin vs Arizona and Other College Basketball Games at BetOnline

Before they resume Big Ten play on January 2 against Iowa, the Badgers have three non-conference contests to navigate. Jacksonville State and Chicago State will surely be easy wins barring the unlikely, but other than two games against Purdue, this game profiles as their toughest pre-March Madness matchup.

Speaking of challenges, Wisconsin’s visit to the McKale Center kickstarts the home stretch of Arizona’s non-conference slate. What else does this stretch feature? Purdue in Indianapolis (12/16), Alabama in Phoenix (12/20), and FAU in Las Vegas (12/23).

If the Wildcats make it through this stretch with their perfect record intact, they will head into Christmas as the unquestioned #1 team in the country.

Wisconsin vs Arizona Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline.

Spread

• Wisconsin +10 (-115)
• Arizona -10 (-105)

Over/Under

• Over 144 (-113)
• Under 144 (-107)

Moneyline

• Wisconsin +390
• Arizona -480

Can Wisconsin Slow Arizona Down?

Matchups between ranked teams are always noteworthy, but this matchup is one of the most interesting games on today’s college basketball schedule due to the vast contrast in styles.

With traveling, there are typically numerous routes you can take to arrive at your intended destination.

Wisconsin is 14th in the country in offensive efficiency, and they are getting the job done with their typical deliberate style of play. It’s definitely not pretty, but it has been effective.

Top Players for Wisconsin

• AJ Storr: 14.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG
• Steven Crowl: 12.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.3 APG
• Tyler Wahl: 10.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG
• Chucky Hepburn: 10.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.4 SPG
• John Blackwell: 9.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG
• Max Klesmit: 7.9 PPG

One spot above them in the offensive efficiency rankings is Arizona, who does things a bit differently than the Badgers. The Wildcats rank eighth in tempo and seventh in average offensive possession length, while Wisconsin is 343rd in tempo and 358th in average offensive possession length.

Top Players for Arizona

• Caleb Love: 13.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.6 SPG
• Keshad Johnson: 12.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG
• Kylan Boswell: 12.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 54.3% 3PT
• Oumar Ballo: 12.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG
• Pelle Larsson: 11.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.9 APG
• Motiejus Krivas: 9.9 PPG, 5.3dddddG, 1.1 BPG

Wisconsin passed a similar test with flying colors last Saturday, holding Marquette to a season-low 64 points in a big rivalry win in Madison.

But it does have to be noted that, prior to lighting up Texas on Wednesday, the Golden Eagles had been in a big rut from the perimeter and going 7 of 29 against the Badgers was a big reason why things panned out the way they did at the Kohl Center.

In their first game since Thanksgiving Day, Arizona didn’t shoot all that well against Colgate last Saturday. But in five home games this season, the Wildcats have made 40.2% (45 of 112) of their three-point attempts.

Wisconsin vs Arizona and Picks

Prediction: Arizona to win

Picks: Wisconsin/Arizona over 144 (-113 at BetOnline) & Keshad Johnson over 10.5 points (-124 at BetOnline)

I typically don’t love playing double-digit spreads in most sports, and this is not going to be a situation where I make an exception.

But there’s value all over the board elsewhere, especially with these two plays.

The Wildcats have so many options on offense that you can feel good about the over for any of them. But Johnson’s prop stands out the most for me with what he has done thus far this season. Against Colgate, he scored a season-low 10 points after putting up 11 or more points in his first six games.

Johnson may not take a lot of shots–he has attempted 10 or more shots only once–but the San Diego State transfer is shooting 56.9% from the field, and he is 5 of 12 from three in his last three games after making just 1 of 8 from outside in his first four games.

Where to Bet on College Basketball

If you are looking for college basketball odds, you will always be spoiled for choice.

Sports betting sites all over the internet offer a vast array of NCAA basketball odds throughout the season, from the opening tip in November to the conclusion of the season in early April.

Along with being able to bet on countless games, many online sportsbooks offer men’s college basketball national championship odds, women’s college basketball national championship odds, men’s Wooden Award odds, women’s Wooden Award odds, and odds on who will win early season and conference tournaments.

Below are some of the books that we highly recommend for college basketball betting:

• BetDSI
• BetOnline
• BetUS
• Bookmaker
• Bovada
• MyBookie
• Sportsbetting.ag

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds.

Other College Basketball Content

• Alabama vs Purdue Prediction, Odds & Picks
• Illinois vs Tennessee Prediction, Odds & Picks
• College Basketball Betting Guide
• Men’s Wooden Award Winner Odds
• Women’s Wooden Award Winner Odds