Villanova Wildcats (8-2) “vs” Wisconsin Badgers (7-3)
Where: Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee, WI)
When: Friday, Dec. 19 at 8:00 PM
Betting Line: Villanova +3.5 (subject to change)
How to Watch: FOX
How to Listen: Villanova Sports Radio Network
Advertisement
NET Rankings: Villanova 36, Wisconsin 68
KenPom: Villanova 34, Wisconsin 39
Torvik: Villanova 41, Wisconsin 39
On Wisconsin: The Badgers look to go 3-0 against the Big East, having already beaten Providence by 21 on a neutral floor and Marquette by 20 at home. Wisconsin is led by San Diego State transfer Nick Boyd. The senior guard averages 20.2 points per game on 48.3% from the field (and 31% from deep). Just behind Boyd is junior returnee John Blackwell, who averages 19.6 points per game. The 6’4” guard is a major threat from three, hitting 3 per game on 41.1%. The two guards combine to score nearly half of the Badgers’ points on average (roughly 47% of the total). 7’ center Nolan Winter is a consistent interior presence for Wisconsin, contributing 12.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. The junior has scored in double-figures in all but two games this year. As a team, the Badgers do not shoot it well from range (33.1%). At this time of writing, that’s good for 210th in the country. What Wisconsin does very well is make free throws (80.2%, which is currently third best in the nation) and take care of the ball (53rd in turnovers and 46th in assist/turnover ratio currently).
Advertisement
Notes on Nova: The ‘Cats got back on track against Pittsburgh, and now look for their first signature win of the season against Wisconsin on a “neutral” floor. On paper, this seems like a great match-up for Villanova. The Badgers don’t have the size that Michigan has to take advantage of the Wildcats’ lack of depth on the interior, nor do they shoot the three-pointer well (which has been a weakness for Villanova all season up until last game). Acaden Lewis and Bryce Lindsay will be tested by the Badgers’ dynamic backcourt, but size wise they can matchup. Look for Tyler Perkins to also potentially match up with either Blackwell or Boyd. This may be a good chance to mix in some more zone, as well.
