Purdue Boilermakers vs. Wisconsin Badgers Betting Info, Odds and Picks (03/02/23)

On February 4, the Purdue Boilermakers were 22-1 and ranked #1 in the nation.  However, the Boilermakers met their arch-rival Indiana Hoosiers that day.  And things have never been the same.  Indiana beat Purdue 79-74, causing fans to storm the court.  It was the first of three March Madness betting losses in four games for the Boilermakers.  And the end of their reign as the nation’s #1 ranked team.  Still, there is much to play for in this final regular season week.  Purdue can win the Big Ten championship and is playing for the highest possible NCAA Tournament seed.

Purdue at Wisconsin CashBet Wagering Analysis

On this occasion, Wisconsin will celebrate Senior Night.  And that means a top online sportsbook emotion angle will be attached to this matchup.  It is true that the Badgers have been a major disappointment in the current campaign.  Counter to that is the Badgers’ ability to beat good teams at home.  As an example was Wisconsin’s win over Iowa on February 22.

Boilermakers Malfunction in Stretch Drive

Overall, the Purdue Boilermakers are 24-5 straight up, 12-15-2 against the spread, and 12-16 over/under the total.  Purdue has national rankings of 137^th for scoring offense, 97^th for field goal percentage, 251^st for 3-point field goal percentage, 46^th for free throw percentage, and 8^th for offensive rebounding.  While on defense, Purdue has national rankings of 23^rd for scoring defense, 61st for field goal percentage permitted, 30^th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 1^st for defensive rebounding.

Of great concern is that Purdue failed to cover four of its previous six games.  The Boilermakers went over the 2023 March Madness Betting total in only one of its last four outings.  Zach Edey leads the Boilers with 22.3 points and 12.9 rebounds per contest.

Badgers Bucking Odds for March Madness Bid

The Wisconsin Badgers are 16-12 straight up, 12-15-1 against the spread, and 14-14 over/under the total.  In sum, Wisconsin has national rankings of 330^th for scoring offense, 323^rd for field goal percentage, 113^th for 3-point field goal percentage, 327^th for free throw percentage, and 300th for offensive rebounding.  While on defense, Wisconsin has national rankings of 34^th for scoring defense, 193^rd for field goal percentage permitted, 94^th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 310^th for defensive rebounding.

Late on, the Badgers covered only four of their last ten bet on NCAA basketball

games.  Wisconsin went under the total in three of its previous four tilts.  Chucky Hepburn leads Wisconsin with 21.1 points per game.  Steven Crowl adds 7.1 rebounds per contest.  Of great concern is that the Badgers lost six of their previous ten games straight up.  Wisconsin is coming off a crushing 87-79 overtime loss at Michigan on Sunday.  That defeat could be a body blow to its Big Dance chances.

At the onset of the week, Wisconsin is given a 40% bracketology chance to make the NCAA Tournament.  And that is being generous.  Since 1999, the Wisconsin program has missed the Big Dance only once.

Head coach Greg Gard is a native of Wisconsin.  And he was the top assistant to previous head coach Bo Ryan.  Thus, Gard knows the program and state inside and out.  But Gard is stuck with an old blueprint that may not pertain to the current dynamics.  Wisconsin relies on character, hard work, and defense for its success.  But dynamic 5-star playmakers have been a rare luxury.  And such talent is the missing element of a probable lost season.  

Purdue vs. Wisconsin CashBet Free Pick  

As mentioned earlier, Purdue is fading as a serious 2023 March Madness Betting power.  And Wisconsin has the Senior Night emotional intangible going for them in this spot.  Look for the Badgers to lay it all on the line in the hopes of saving their March Madness dreams.  

Purdue vs. Wisconsin CashBet Best Bet

Wisconsin Badgers