Wisconsin vs Providence Odds, Pick
| Wisconsin Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 141.5 -110o / -110u | -120 |
| Providence Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 141.5 -110o / -110u | +100 |
We have another edition of the 2023 Gavitt Games as the Wisconsin Badgers will travel to Providence, Rhode Island to take on the Friars.
Wisconsin is coming off of a tough home loss to the Tennessee Volunteers, whereas Providence will look to remain undefeated on the season.
This has all of the makings of a closely-contested contest, and I'm sure Badgers head coach Greg Gard wants his team to get back on track. However, new Friars head coach Kim English has stated that his team has the ability to rise up to the occasion when needed.
Let's break down both of these teams to uncover some betting value in Wisconsin vs Providence.
Wisconsin Badgers
There was a moment on Friday when I thought the Badgers were going to pull out an improbable victory. The Badgers ran out of steam in the second half, though, as they suffered an 80-70 loss.
With limited data, KenPom has the Badgers as the 25th-best team in the nation. This is all because of the amount of experience this group returned, with the majority of its players being sophomores or older.
The Badgers missed five out of their last nine free throws against the Vols, which was ultimately their downfall. This is something that we should monitor heading into this matchup because this should be another close contest for them.
Through two matchups, the Badgers are shooting 33% from beyond the arc. They weren't a great 3-point shooting team last season (35%), so this isn't too much of a surprise.
Guard Chucky Hepburn continues to be the centerpiece of this Badgers offense, and I'd expect him to be a major contributor once again this season. Meanwhile, sophomore guard AJ Storr led the Badgers with 17 points against the Vols,
Forwards Tyler Wahl and Steven Crowl provide stability inside on both ends of the floor, which should help against this physical Friars team. I'd expect both players to have big days.
The biggest edge I see in this game is the Badgers' ability to protect the basketball. Through two games, they've protected the ball exceptionally well, which has been a strength for this Friars team.
I definitely think the Badgers have the talent edge in this game. Despite a tough road environment, this experienced group should do enough to prevail.
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Providence Friars
This will be the first real test in the post-Ed Cooley era for the Friars. They may be 2-0 on the season, but they have yet to play a Power Five team.
KenPom has the Friars as the 58th overall team in the nation, which would land them in the NCAA tournament. It would be really impressive for the Friars to make the tournament in Year 1 under English.
If the Friars are going to win this game, it'll be thanks to Bryce Hopkins. Hopkins was one of the lone starters who stayed after Cooley left for Georgetown, as he's easily the heart and soul of this team.
Hopkins is skilled enough to dominate inside against these experienced Badgers, and they displayed weakness against interior scoring during their matchup against the Vols. Wisconsin is currently 228th in the nation in opposing 2PT%.
Inexperience usually correlates to carelessness, and that's an area that's concerning with this Friars group. They've been prone to turning the ball over, as they're a dreadful 301st in opposing steal%.
Normally I wouldn't think that's a big deal with only two games played, but considering these are games came against Columbia and Milwaukee, this warrants some concern.
I have major concerns about the Friars' 3-point shooting ability, especially in this matchup. The Friars are shooting 29% from beyond the arc thus far, and the Badgers have been excellent defending the triple through two games.
Simply put, the Friars have enough talent to keep this close early, but the Badgers' experience and depth may be too much to overcome.
Wisconsin vs. Providence
Betting Pick & Prediction
This is a great bounce-back spot for the Badgers. I'm a little concerned that they're on the road in this spot, but I think their talent should outshine the Friars.
I would feel more confident in the Friars if they had more returning experience and consistent 3-point shooting. I don't think Hopkins is enough to carry them offensively and on the glass.
KenPom makes this Wisconsin -2, so I'll be looking to target this spread up to that number (and maybe a few more points if need be). Expect the Badgers to bounce back after a tough loss to the Vols.
Pick: Wisconsin +1.5 (Play to -2)
