:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68744100/usa_today_15491763.0.jpg)
The No. 14 Wisconsin Badgers (13-4) have been struggling a bit recently, losing two of their last five games, but have a chance to get back on the right track on Saturday afternoon as they head East to take on the 5-7 Penn State Nittany Lions.
The Badgers have been playing some of their most inconsistent ball of the season in recent games. Of four total losses on the season, two of them have come in the last two weeks. But both of those losses came against top-15 teams, and Penn State is far from a top-15 team. Wisconsin is scoring almost 72 points per game, led by D’Mitrik Trice who is scoring 14.5 on average. They only have two players in double figures, so it’s not usually any one particular player who has to shoulder the load for them. Defensively is where they really thrive though, only giving up an average of 62 points per game to the opposition and KenPom currently has them ranked as the 6th-best defensive team in the nation.
Penn State has had a rough go of it in 2021, only winning two Big Ten games so far. Their most impressive win of the season came last week against Rutgers, which isn’t saying a ton. The Nittany Lions are actually scoring at a higher clip than Wisconsin, averaging almost 77 points per game, led by Myreon Jones and Izaiah Brockington, who each score 15 a game. Defensivley though they’re having a tough time stopping anybody, allowing 77 points per game. KenPom has them ranked as the second-worst defense in the Big Ten and the 80th overall defense in the nation.
Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming
You can watch Wisconsin vs. Penn State on Saturday, January 30th at 3:00 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network, or you can watch via the Fox Sports Go app with a cable or streaming service login. If you don’t have a cable login to access the Fox Sports Go app, you can get a free trial from YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, or Sling TV to stream it.
Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends
Point spread: Wisconsin -4 at Penn State
Point total: 138.5
Money line: Wisconsin -180, Penn State +148
The Best Bet
Penn State has been playing better basketball as of late and held their own in a four-point loss to Ohio State. However, expect the Badger defense to dictate the terms of this battle and allow them enough of a cushion to cover the three-point spread.
Pick: Wisconsin -4
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.