The matchup between Baylor and Wisconsin is set up to be one of the more appealing games in the round of 32, with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line. Let's continue our NCAA odds series with our Wisconsin-Baylor prediction and pick.
Wisconsin received the 9-seed in the South Region and they blitzed the 8-seed North Carolina in round one, beating the Tar Heels 85-62. If that final score raises some eyebrows have no fear, Wisconsin still is a defensive minded program that likes to grind games out. Against North Carolina everything came together.
Baylor had no trouble Hartford in the round of 64, defeating them 79-55. The Bears got off to a slow start but put it in cruise control by the second half.
Here's how the odds have been laid out by the sportsbooks for this matchup.
NCAA odds: Wisconsin – Baylor Odds
Wisconsin Badgers +6.5 (-115)
Baylor Bears -6.5 (-105)
Over 137 points (-113)
Under 137 points (-107)
Why Wisconsin Could Cover the Spread
After a brutal finish to the regular season (losing four of five all four losses by five points or less), it became apparent that the best thing for Wisconsin might just be playing someone that isn't in the Big Ten. They got that opportunity in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and they did not disappoint.
Wisconsin hammered North Carolina by 23 and Brad Davison lit it up, finishing the game with 29 points on 10/15 shooting.
The Badgers have the defense, the experienced lineup and apparently a sprinkle of offense to make things interesting against Baylor. Having gone through the gauntlet that is the Big 10 this year, Wisconsin certainly won't be phased going up against the Bears.
Why Baylor Could Cover the Spread
Baylor rolled through most of the regular season while dealing with a Covid-19 pause and other hurdles as well. The Bears are a popular pick to not only win this game, but win the whole dang thing.
The Bears have one of the most efficient offenses in the country with two for sure, feature NBA draft picks in Jared Butler and Davion Mitchell. Averaging 84.2 points per game (5th in the nation) on the season, the best method for the opposition in trying to slow down this offense is to say a pregame prayer that they just miss a bunch of shots. More times than not, those prayers go unanswered.
Expect Baylor to push the pace and get out on the run against the Badgers to try and make Wisconsin uncomfortable.
Final Wisconsin-Baylor Prediction and Pick
Baylor's offense has the firepower to run anybody out of the gym. But this Wisconsin team is savvy, and can hold serve and at minimum keep things close against the best of the best in the country. While losing four of their last five, all four came by five points or less to teams like Iowa, Illinois and Purdue.
In March, it helps to have solid point guard play. The Badgers have it in senior D'Mitrik Trice, who averages 14 points a game and will go down swinging. He had 21 against North Carolina.
Give me the Badgers to keep it close until the bitter end. They lose the game but cover the 6.5 point spread.
FINAL WISCONSIN-BAYLOR PICK USING NCAA ODDS: WISCONSIN +6.5
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