After an opening round in which all but one of the favorites moved on, the Big Ten is set for a competitive three final days of its tournament, starting Friday with the quarterfinals.
The game oddsmakers expect to be the closest – Northwestern vs. Wisconsin – is our focus today. Let’s take a look at the matchup and find a betting edge.
Wisconsin vs. Northwestern odds
- Spread: Wisconsin -3.5 (-120), Northwestern +3.5 (+100)
- Total: Under 135.5 (-105), Over 135.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Northwestern -190, Wisconsin +155
Odds via BetMGM
Wisconsin vs. Northwestern analysis
Wisconsin rolled past Maryland on Thursday, 87-56 as four-point favorites to advance to the quarterfinals. The Badgers knocked down 16-of-25 three-point attempts, led by John Blackwell’s four treys and 18 points.
Northwestern is taking the court for the first time in this tournament after grabbing the 4th seed thanks to a 12-8 record in Big Ten action. The Wildcats won their season finale against Minnesota after dropping their two previous games to Iowa and Michigan State.
In their lone meeting this season in Madison back in mid-January, the Badgers took care of the Wildcats, 71-63 as 7-point favorites. Northwestern was limited to 6-of-21 shooting from 3-point land, which is uncharacteristic considering the Wildcats shot better than any team in Big Ten play at 42.4%.
Since an 8-1 start in conference play, the Badgers went 3-8 down the stretch prior to Thursday’s blowout of Maryland. In Wisconsin’s last four games off a win, the Badgers own an 0-4 record, including a pair of losses outright as a favorite.
Wisconsin vs. Northwestern pick
Northwestern has won only one Big Ten Tournament game since 2018, while failing to cover the spread in six straight opportunities.
Although the Wildcats haven’t played yet in this tournament and Wisconsin is suiting up with no rest, history says to lay the points with the Badgers in this semifinal matchup.
Pick: Wisconsin -3.5 (-110 at bet365)
