Stanford vs Wisconsin Odds
| Stanford Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -104 | 133.5 -110o / -110u | +150 |
| Wisconsin Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -118 | 133.5 -110o / -110u | -182 |
Stanford travels to Wisconsin to participate in the Brew City Battle, which takes place at American Family Field.
For the first time in the stadium's history, the Brewers' home ballpark will be transformed into a basketball venue.
Both programs are coming off victories in their first matchups of the season. Wisconsin defeated South Dakota 85-59, while Stanford survived Pacific 88-78.
This matchup taking place in a baseball stadium may provide some value on the total.
Stanford Cardinal
Stanford returns eight of its nine top rotation pieces from last year's team, which boasted the third tallest starting lineup. The group started four players who stood 6-foot-7 or taller.
The height advantage certainly helped in the rebounding category as Stanford ranked among the top-25 on both ends of the floor. Alas, the defense still was horrid at defending two-point shot attempts and ranked 295th in the country, allowing 53%.
The defensive struggles reared their ugly head against Pacific. The Cardinal allowed 78 points in that matchup, including 46 in the second half.
Michael Jones carried the offense scoring a career high 31-points while hitting 9-of-15 from the field. He hit 12-of-14 from the charity stripe.
The Cardinal offense utilized its height advantage to draw 24 fouls, which led to 34 free throw attempts. They also converted on 81% of their 26 two-point attempts.
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin breezed through its opening matchup over South Dakota. The Badgers offense was on full display as it connected on 12-of-26 (46%) three-point attempts. The program took nearly half of its shot attempts from three-point territory in that matchup, But replicating that will likely be an issue.
The Badgers owned a massive size advantage over South Dakota, which was highlighted by senior forward Tyler Wahl, who scored 19 points and collected 10 rebounds. Wahl also hit 9-of-10 from the charity stripe.
Point guard Chucky Hepburn provided 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals in the opener. His assignment on Michael Jones will be pivotal in this matchup, especially if he’s shooting the way he did against Pacific.
Despite losing guard Johnny Davis to the NBA, Wisconsin played its traditional style of basketball — hard-nosed on the defensive end, while maintaining a slow-paced offense in search of an efficient shot attempt. I expect the Badgers to force that playing style upon Stanford, though the Cardinal will likely look to push the tempo.
Stanford vs. Wisconsin Betting Pick
The health of Stanford forward Spencer Jones is something to monitor in this matchup. He's day-to-day after missing the season opener against Pacific. Last season, Jones put up 12 points and five rebounds per game.
Jones was the Cardinal’s best defender last season and will be able to matchup against Tyler Wahl. However, if he doesn’t play, Stanford has plenty of options to throw at Wahl.
This is the best roster Stanford has had in over a decade. A win over Wisconsin would prove pivotal to the program and solidify them as a potential contender in March.
But Wisconsin is a tricky matchup as they make you earn every basket.
I envision this being a slow-paced game with offensive buckets tough to come by. Wisconsin shot 46% from behind the arc in its opener, but will come back to reality in this matchup.
It doesn’t hurt that this matchup will be played at American Family Field and depth perception is always something to consider with outside shooters.
