Nebraska vs Wisconsin Odds, Pick for Saturday

The Wisconsin Badgers are probably the third-best team in the Big Ten entering conference play, and they'll host the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday.

Most recently, Nebraska blew out the Indiana Hoosiers back in Lincoln. But playing in Madison, Wisconsin, is not easy.

Even with that win and wins over Kansas State and Michigan State, Nebraska ranks 283rd overall in strength of schedule, per KenPom. That said, the defense is solid, and the ‘Huskers prefer to slow teams down on the defensive end of the floor.

Wisconsin is one of the slowest-paced teams in the NCAA, so expect the Badgers to dictate the pace on their home turf.

The Cornhuskers rank 40th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and 68th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency, per KenPom. They rank 138th in Adjusted Tempo but average 18.4 seconds per possession on defense — the latter ranks 346th nationally.

Offensively, the Cornhuskers launch a ton of threes. They rank 28th nationally in 3-point attempt rate, but they're only shooting 33.2% from deep, so it's not necessarily efficient.

The 'Huskers shoot 53.3% from the interior and 74.5% from the charity stripe while ranking 95th nationally in free-throw attempt rate.

Wisconsin's biggest defensive issue is defending the perimeter, ranking 234th nationally in 3-point shooting allowed (34.4%).

Opponents are also shooting 50.3% on the Badgers from 2-point range and getting to the line often, as the Badgers rank 182nd in the nation in free throw attempt rate on defense.

However, Wisconsin ranks 22nd in Rim-and-3 Rate allowed and 52nd in at-the-rim PPP allowed, per Shot Quality, meaning the Badgers are discouraging efficient shots.

Nebraska will have chances to knock down threes, but unless they do so efficiently, this may be the only consistent area of opportunity to score.

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The Badgers are shooting 32.4% from deep and 52.1% from inside the arc. They rank 66th in free throw attempt rate and shoot a collective 76% from the strike.

The Badgers like to get the ball inside the perimeter, ranking only 281st in three-point attempt rate. But Nebraska might have the equalizer in nearly every facet of Wisconsin’s offensive approach.

Opponents only shoot 29.2% on the ‘Huskers from downtown and 43.7% from the interior. Nebraska is also holding opponents to the 24th-lowest free throw attempt rate.

Although Nebraska’s competition has been weak, they rank fifth nationally in Open 3 Rate allowed, 16th in Rim and 3 Rate allowed, and fifth in at-thee-rim PPP allowed, per Shot Quality. Wisconsin ranks 121st, 200th, and 124th, respectively, on offense.

Yes, Wisconsin has had a far tougher schedule, but the 'Huskers can stop what the Badgers want to do.

Also, neither Wisconsin nor Nebraska should have many shot attempts overall in this game. Wisconsin ranks 314th in Adjusted tempo and averages 19.4 seconds per possession on offense, ranking 346th nationally. As stated above, Nebraska can play quickly offensively, but Wisconsin should control the pace on their home floor.

The Under in this game should be in play from the jump.

Wisconsin plays at an unbearably slow pace. Meanwhile, Nebraska’s defense can stop the Badgers from the perimeter, inside, and at the free-throw line.

There is a chance that refereeing comes into play since the game is in Madison, but if anything, this should negate fouls called on Wisconsin, as Nebraska does not foul too often.

Take the Under in this game to 143.

Pick: Under 145.5 (Play to 143)

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