Wisconsin Badgers vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Top Play for Feb 1

by | Last updated Feb 1, 2024 | cbb

Wisconsin Badgers (16-4 SU, 11-9 ATS) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers (15-6 SU, 12-8-1 ATS)

When: Thursday, February 1st, 8:30 PM (ET)

Where: Pinnacle Bank Arena, NE, Lincoln

TV: BTN

Point Spread: Wis-1/Neb +1

Total: 144.5

Money Line: Badgers -115/Huskiers -107

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Notable Injuries

Badgers

  • Kamari McGee (Out) Foot
  • Gus Yalden (Out) Personal

Cornhuskers

  • Juwan Gary (Questionable) Calf
  • Ahron Ulis (Out) Suspension
  • Henry Burt (Out) Undisclosed
  • Ramel Lloyd Jr. (Out) Knee
  • Blaise Keita (Out) Ankle

Recent Form

Wisconsin is 16-4 overall and 8-1 in Big Ten play. They have won three straight games and are coming off an 81-66 win over Michigan State. The Badgers are 12-2 when favored this season, and they are 14-6 overall in that situation.

On the road, Wisconsin is 3-3 this year, and over their last 10 games away from home, they are 5-5. For the season, the Badgers have an average scoring margin of +14.1 points per game at home, compared to -2.7 on the road.

Today’s over/under line of 144.5 is higher than the average over/under line in Wisconsin’s games this season (137.5). So far, 17 of their games have finished with fewer points than today’s line. Over their last three games, the over/under record is 2-1 and the average scoring total is 145 points.

Wisconsin has been up and down vs. the spread this season, going 11-9 overall. However, they have an even 7-7 record vs. the spread when favored. On the road, the Badgers are just 2-4 vs. the spread this year and have gone 3-7 in their last 10 road games vs. the spread.

Nebraska enters today’s game against Wisconsin as the underdog, as they have gone just 3-5 in their eight games as the underdog this season. At home, the Cornhuskers have been much better, going 13-1 with an average scoring margin of +13.1 points per game.

After falling to Maryland by a score of 73-51 in their last game, Nebraska comes into today’s game with an overall record of 15-6. In their last 10 games at home, the Cornhuskers have gone 9-1, and they have won their last seven games at home.

Today’s over/under line of 144.5 is lower than the average over/under line in Nebraska’s games this season (147). So far, 13 of their games have had a higher over/under line than today’s line. In their last three games, the over/under record is 2-1 and the average scoring total in those games is 139 points.

Nebraska has been solid against the spread at home this season, going 10-3-1. Over their last three home games, the Cornhuskers are a perfect 3-0 vs. the spread. However, as the underdog, they have struggled recently, going 0-3 vs. the spread in their last three games.

Analysis

In their recent game, the Badgers’ offense concluded with 81 points, consistent with their ongoing season average of 76 points per contest. The team’s scoring leader is AJ Storr, who holds an average of 15.9 as they head into today’s matchup. Additionally, Steven Crowl is averaging 11.9 points per game this season.

Wisconsin’s defense has been playing well, ranking 63rd nationally, with 66.8 points allowed per game. In their previous game vs. Michigan State, the Spartans finished with a field goal percentage of 50% and a total of 66 points vs. Wisconsin.

Against Maryland, Nebraska had a tough time putting up points compared to their season average of 77.2 points per game. They scored 51 points and posted a field goal percentage of 39.5% in the game. Offensively, the Cornhuskers have a season long field goal percentage of 45%, which is 177th in the nation. In terms of three-pointers, they are 78th in percentage and 27th in three-pointers made.

The Cornhuskers’ defense is presently ranked 124th nationally, allowing an average of 70.1 points per contest. On average, opposing teams are hitting 8.7 threes per game vs. Wisconsin. This has come on three-point shooting percentage of 33.1%.

Betting Trends

  • Through their last ten road contests, the Badgers offense has averaged 68 points per game while allowing an average of 70. Wisconsin posted an overall record of 5-5 while going 3-7 ATS.
  • In their last ten games at home, the Cornhuskers have a straight up record of 4-6 while going 4-6 vs. the spread. The team averaged 72 points per game in this stretch.
  • As the betting underdog, the Cornhuskers have an ATS mark of just 0-3 in their last three games. Nebraska posted a straight up mark of 0-3 in these matchups.
  • Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Badgers have an overall record of 4-1 while going 2-3 against the spread.

Rich Crew’s Betting Pick

In their first game in January, the Badgers won easily against the Cornhuskers, 88-72, after getting a big lead in the first half. The Cornhuskers are tough at home, with a 13-1 record, but I’m still not convinced to bet on them. Wisconsin has been strong on the road, losing only once in Big Ten games.

Looking at the scores, betting on the total points seems like the best choice. Nebraska scores a lot at home, averaging nearly 82 points in their home games, even though their overall scoring average is lower because of one bad game. Wisconsin hasn’t scored as much on the road but has still gotten over 70 points in most of their recent games.

So, focusing on the total points for this game looks like the smart bet, considering how both teams have been playing. Take the Over

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