Iowa Hawkeyes vs Wisconsin Badgers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/3/25

Looking to win big? The Hawkeyes and Badgers face off at 7:00 ET on FS1. The Badgers are hosting the game at Kohl Center in Madison, WI. This Big Ten conference matchup has an over/under of 162.5 points, and Wisconsin is favored to win by -5.5 at home vs. Iowa.

IOWA HAWKEYES VS WISCONSIN BADGERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Wisconsin Badgers -5.5

This game will be played at Kohl Center at 7:00 ET on Friday, January 3rd.

WHY BET THE WISCONSIN BADGERS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Badgers.
• Not only will Wisconsin pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -5.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 162.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.

Is A Road Victory Likely for Underdog Iowa?

Iowa improved to 10-3 on the season with a dominant 112-70 win over New Hampshire on Monday. The Hawkeyes were heavy favorites at -32.5 and covered the spread, while the game’s total points of 182 exceeded the over/under line of 159.5.

Iowa took control early, leading 62-33 at halftime, and continued their strong play in the second half, outscoring the Wildcats 50-37.

Iowa’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 112 points and shooting 60.8% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 67.6%, thanks in large part to their 77.8% shooting on two-point attempts. They connected on 10 of 29 threes, shooting 34.5% from beyond the arc, and dished out 27 assists as a team.

Giancarlo Bastianoni led the way with 17 points, hitting 3 of 5 from deep, while Anthony McComb III and Payton Sandfort each added 15 points. Cooper Koch and Seydou Traore contributed 14 points apiece, with Traore also adding 6 assists. Ladji Dembele was nearly perfect from the field, shooting 5 of 6 for 12 points.

Despite giving up 70 points, Iowa’s defense struggled, allowing their opponent to shoot 60% from the field on 45 of 74 attempts. Inside the arc, the Hawkeyes couldn’t contain their opponent, who shot an impressive 77% on 35 of 45 two-point attempts.

From three-point range, Iowa’s opponent hit 10 of 29 shots, good for 34%. The Hawkeyes also sent them to the free-throw line 22 times, where they converted 12 attempts for 54%. Iowa gave up 11 offensive rebounds in the game.

Does Wisconsin Have a Shot at a Home Win?

Wisconsin Badgers Recent Game/Games

Wisconsin improved to 10-3 on the season with a 76-53 win over Detroit on Sunday. Playing at home, the Badgers were heavy favorites at -30 but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 129 fell short of the 147.5 O/U line.

Wisconsin led 39-26 at halftime and maintained control in the 2nd half, outscoring Detroit 37-27.

In their latest game, Wisconsin’s offense put up 76 points, shooting 40.6% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 46.9%, with a strong 65.5% inside the arc, but they struggled from three-point range, hitting just 7 of 35 attempts (20%). At the free-throw line, the Badgers were efficient, converting 17 of 19 for 89.5%.

Grant Gondrezick II and Orlando Lovejoy each scored 20 points, with Gondrezick hitting 3 of 4 from deep. Nolan Winter added 18 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 66.7% overall and 40% from three. Steven Crowl contributed 15 points, shooting 70% from the field, despite missing all 3 of his three-point attempts. Wisconsin also grabbed 16 offensive rebounds and dished out 13 assists.

Wisconsin’s defense held their opponent to 53 points, even though they shot 40% from the field. The Badgers allowed 19 two-point baskets on 29 attempts, a 65% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Wisconsin limited their opponent to 7 threes on 35 attempts, a 20% success rate. They also sent them to the line 19 times, where they made 17 free throws, shooting 89%. The Badgers gave up 16 offensive rebounds.