Wisconsin vs Rutgers Odds, Pick: Lack of Points

The Wisconsin Badgers are on a bit of a slide in the last three games, including a loss to Michigan on Wednesday. They should get a bit of a break Saturday against Rutgers, which has one of the worst offenses in the country.

However, Jersey Mike’s Arena is not always the easiest place to play, no matter how bad the Scarlet Knights are.

Wisconsin likes to play slowly on offense, averaging more than 19 seconds per possession. Rutgers is similar defensively, which should put points at a premium.

The Badgers have a great offense and are shooting almost 35% from 3-point range on the season. But the Scarlet Knights have been good guarding outside the arc this season, with opponents only shooting 30.6% on them from outside.

Wisconsin primarily likes to get the ball inside, anyways. But Rutgers' Clifford Omoruyi is one of the best interior defenders in the Big Ten, and perhaps the country. He racks up blocks like nobody’s business.

Wisconsin utilizes the post-up quite frequently, but Rutgers ranks within the top 60 in defense at the rim. This should cut into Wisconsin’s typical edge from 2-point range. Opponents are only shooting 45.9% on the Scarlet Knights from 2-point range.

The Badgers should have an edge on the glass. Wisconsin is much better on the defensive glass than offensive, so the Badgers should be able to prevent Omoruyi and the Scarlet Knights from second-chance buckets.

Rutgers has one of the worst offenses in the country. Wisconsin has some holes defensively and allows opponents to hit almost 36% of shots from 3-point distance, but Rutgers is shooting an abhorrent 27.8% from deep as a team.

The Scarlet Knights also rank below 300th in 3-point attempt rate and in the bottom 15 in all of college basketball in Open 3 Rate, per ShotQuality.

Inside, Rutgers doesn't play much better, shooting a putrid 43.9% from 2-point distance. Even when they can get to the free-throw line, the Scarlet Knights only shoot 65.6% from the stripe anyways. Wisconsin could rack up some fouls and doesn't have the best interior defense, but once again, Rutgers might be its own worst enemy.

After all, the Scarlet Knights rank outside the top 300 in Rim and 3 Rate.

Rutgers usually can force some turnovers on defense. That being said, Wisconsin doesn't turn the ball over much on offense, so that should take away one of the paths to scoring for the Scarlet Knights.

This game comes down to Wisconsin not being hurt by Rutgers’ horrible offense. The Badgers should be able to slow the pace and should win, but look for defense to be the focus.

Wisconsin doesn't shoot enough from deep to offset the lack of points from Rutgers.

Take the under and play it to 126.

Pick: Under 128.5 (Play to 126)