How do the Badgers match up against Montana in the first round?
The Wisconsin Badgers are heading to Denver for their first-round matchup against the Montana Grizzlies, with tip-off set for Thursday at 12:30 p.m. central.
The Badgers earned a No. 3 seed in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament, getting bumped back to the three line but missing out on their coveted destination of Milwaukee.
Instead, they’ll have a quick turnaround, heading out to Denver to play in one of the earliest games of the tournament, just days after playing four games in four days during the Big Ten Tournament.
Wisconsin currently stands at 26-9, which is the most wins they’ve had entering the tournament since their historic 2014-15 season that ended in a National Championship appearance.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies finished their season 25-9, including 15-3 in the Big Sky, as they won their conference tournament with wins over Northern Arizona, Idaho, and Northern Colorado.
What are all of the odds ahead of the game?
Odds(via FanDuel)
Prediction
I’ve alluded to my thoughts a couple of times this week, but I really like the matchup for the Badgers, despite all the extenuating circumstances with the quick turnaround, altitude in Denver, and recently playing four games in four days.
Wisconsin has a clear size advantage over Montana, as the Grizzlies have only one key rotational player who stands over 6’5 and that’s forward Te’Jon Sawyer, who stands at 6’8, 240 pounds and plays only 23 minutes per game.
Apart from that, Montana is a guard-oriented team, as each of their top five players in minutes and points per game are guards.
The Grizzlies aren’t elite offensively (99th in KenPom), don’t play at a fast tempo (193rd in the nation), and are porous defensively (253rd in KenPom). That doesn’t bode well against a Badgers team that is extremely efficient in the frontcourt and is at their best playing inside out.
Honestly, I don’t really see a path to a Montana win, even with the Grizzlies shooting 50 percent from the floor and 36 percent from three. They don’t run in transition, where the Badgers have been susceptible, and don’t have the size down low to give Wisconsin matchup troubles.
Not only am I predicting Wisconsin to win, but I’m going as far as saying the Badgers will cover the hefty 17.5-point spread.
My prediction: Wisconsin -17.5
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See fanduel.com/sportsbook for details.