The No. 9 Arizona Wildcats face a tough road test on Friday night when they travel to Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers.
The Wildcats are 4.5-point favorites in the college basketball odds, but my Arizona vs. Wisconsin predictions have their eyes on the 152.5-point total.
Check out my college basketball picks for Friday, November 15 for more.
Arizona vs Wisconsin prediction
My best bet
Under 152.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Arizona Wildcats are the No. 9 team in the country and have high expectations this year. That’s nothing new, but they’ll need to be on their A-game to remain one of the elite programs in the country now that they’re competing in the Big 12.
The Wildcats have dominated both Canisius and Old Dominion by an average margin of 43.5 points. They’ll be put to the test on Friday in a difficult road game, where we’ll learn a lot about where this Arizona sits in the national picture.
The Wisconsin Badgers are off to a 3-0 start with comfortable wins over Holy Cross, Montana State, and Appalachian State at Kohl Center. In the preseason Big Ten media poll, the Badgers were picked to finish tied for 12th in the conference. They check in at 40th overall in KenPom — 34th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 63rd in adjusted defensive efficiency.
One interesting part of this matchup is that both teams have plenty of size. Wisconsin starts two 7-footers, Steven Crowl and Nolan Winter, while Arizona has two in the rotation, Henri Veesar and Motiejus Krivas. All that size in the paint should counterbalance each other, and it’s doubtful either side dominates down low.
Arizona is a very talented team, but a main concern is whether or not there's enough shooting on the roster. Only Caleb Love and Anthony Dell’Orso have proven capable of beating opponents from deep in the past, and neither has done so at a high percentage — Love shoots 32.3% from three in his career, and Dell’Orso is at 35%.
Wisconsin has the size to pack the paint and try to make Arizona win from long range. Greg Gard’s team plays physical and looks to keep teams out of the paint, ranking 345th in percentage of shots allowed at the rim (31.3% per Hoop-Math).
The Badgers like to slow things down, ranking 329th in adjusted tempo. They stand a better chance of installing their preferred pace during a sold-out home game, which likely leads to a decrease in possessions and throws Arizona off its game plan of playing at warp speed.
Arizona vs Wisconsin same-game parlay
Under 152.5
Arizona -3.5
Wisconsin’s size and style of play might muck up this game enough to hit the Under, but Arizona is still the superior squad. This is far from an easy environment on the road, cross-country, in a packed house — but the Wildcats are a better team, and I trust in Tommy Lloyd.
The Wildcats dominated this matchup a year ago, earning a 98-73 win at home over a ranked Badgers team. Lloyd’s squad has typically shown out in non-conference games, earning 20 straight victories in November. Lloyd’s teams have finished with single digits in the loss column all three years he’s been in charge.
Arizona’s starting frontcourt usually isn’t huge, but there are two ready and willing 7-footers coming off the bench. That size should disrupt Wisconsin as well, and the Wildcats rank 339th in percentage of shots allowed at the rim (31.7% per Hoop-Math).
Arizona has a substantial athleticism advantage and forecasts as the more efficient team on both sides of the ball.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
New Users
Choose your welcome bonus at bet365
Get in on the college basketball action at bet365, which is offering new users a choice of two incredible offers:
- Up to $1,000 in bonus bets back (if your first bet doesn't win)
- Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets instantly
Sign up now to pick your offer at bet365, or learn more with our comprehensive bet365 review.
Eligible U.S. locations only. 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Arizona vs Wisconsin odds
Arizona vs Wisconsin live odds
Arizona vs Wisconsin opening odds
- Spread: Arizona -4.5 | Wisconsin +4.5
- Moneyline: Arizona -205 | Wisconsin +170
- Over/Under: Over 152.5 | Under 152.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Arizona vs Wisconsin betting trend to know
Arizona is 1-7 O/U in its last eight games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Arizona vs. Wisconsin.
How to watch Arizona vs Wisconsin
| Location: | Kohl Center, Madison, WI |
| Date: | Friday, 11-15-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Peacock |
Arizona vs Wisconsin key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
