On Friday night, Wisconsin Badgers hit the court to take on the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The Badgers (20-12) hold the #7 seed in the East region, while the Panthers (21-11) hold the #10 seed. Be sure to check out more March Madness odds by clicking here.
Pittsburgh vs Wisconsin March Madness Lines Analysis
What: Pittsburgh Panthers (21-11) at Wisconsin Badgers (20-12)
When: Friday, March 18, 2016
Start Time: 6:50 PM ET
Where: St Louis, Missouri
Stadium: Scottrade Center
Spread: Wisconsin -3
Moneyline: Wisconsin -120
Game Total: 131
Watch: TNT
Stream: TNT SportsRadio: Pittsburgh / Wisconsin
Why Should You Bet on the Badgers?
There was a time this season when the Badgers looked like they would miss March Madness for the first time since 1998. However, under then-interim and now-permanent new head coach Greg Gard, the team has really turned things around. When Wisconsin is playing well, they have a high-powered offense that flows through Nigel Hayes (16.3 pg, 5.8 rpg), helped out by Bronson Koenig (13.4 ppg, 2.4 3FGpg, 39.4% 3FG). On the inside, it’s freshman Ethan Happ (12.1 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 0.9 bpg) who is causing havoc for the opposition. In the Big Ten tournament, the Badgers were upset by Nebraska, but don’t let that keep you from considering Wisconsin a strong contender in this game, as they have been playing terrific ball since January.
Why Should You Put Your Money on Pitt?
Yes, the Panthers won 21 games this season, but they only had a .500 record in ACC play. They did surprise a few of the top teams in the conference this season, led by the scoring of Michael Young (16.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 53.9% FG%) and Jamel Artis (14.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.4 3FGpg). Cameron Johnson knocked down 38.0 percent of his shots from downtown, and James Robinson chipped in 10.3 points and 5.1 assists per game. The Panthers are skilled in ball movement but have a hard time locking down the other side’s offense at crucial points in the game.
Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction
I like the Badgers to maintain that late-season momentum and put away Pitt in the first round. I’m pickign Wisconsin to prevail, 71-65.
