Arizona Wildcats vs Wisconsin Badgers Point Spread Picks

Wisconsin is on a 6-0 SU, 4-2 ATS run allowing just 56.7 points per game. That includes victories over No. 24 Virginia and No. 3 Marquette, along with a road victory at Michigan State in the last game, 70-57, as a +5 dog. The Badgers held the Spartans to just 23 points in the first half. Wiscy joins Kansas and Purdue as the only teams in the country with three wins over ranked teams. Wisconsin is 13-3 ATS versus opponents with a winning percentage of 80%+, 30-16 ATS against teams that outscore opponents by 4+ points per game, and 20-8 ATS on the road versus teams that allow 42% shooting or less. Play Wisconsin.

Neither of these teams looked to be overly impressive in their last game, but at this time of year it isn't how pretty, it is survive and advance, which they both did. These teams have had great seasons, both losing just three games, but Wisconsin did lose one to Rutgers with two starters out. This is a repeat of last year's Elite 8 matchup that went to overtime with Wisconsin winning by 1. The difference in that one, which is the likely difference in this one, is Frank Kaminsky. Kaminsky is the most difficult matchup on the floor, and had 28 and 11 boards last year. Just about everyone is back for Wisconsin that played that game, while Arizona is led by a freshman, so experience and Kaminsky will be the deciding factor. Play on Wisconsin.

The Elite 8 will get underway tonight as the Arizona Wildcats take on the Wisconsin Badgers. The Wildcats were cruising along at 21-0, when they suffered a serious setback with the injury of Brandon Ashley. Ashley contributed 11.5 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game. The result in the game he went down was a 2-point loss, and shortly after a 3-point overtime loss to Arizona State. The Wildcats have learned to play without him, having gone 10-2 in their last 12 games. The Wildcats have since become a better offensive team. After scoring 80+ just once in a 19-game stretch, they have now posted 80+ in 3 of their last 11, and have gotten to 70 or more in 8 of 11. Wisconsin is a different team this season, one that is led by offense, not defense. The Badgers have posted 77.4 ppg in five postseason tilts, but the defense is not what they typically have brought to the table in recent years. I think a surging Arizona offense, along with a strong defensive presence will get the job done here tonight. The Wildcats own a 20-8 ATS mark in their last 28 outside of conference play, including a perfect 4-0 ATS in their last four vs. the Big-10. Wisconsin has played four of their last five to the OVER when coming off a win, while Zona has logged four straight to the OVER with a vastly improved offense down the stretch. Play Arizona and take the OVER.