Indiana vs Wisconsin: Free College Basketball Picks

In: College Hoops Free Picks

26 Jan 2012

Jason Storm
Free Picks Newsletter Lead Researcher
147-95-1 Overall Record 

College Basketball Predictions: Indiana (+7) vs Wisconsin (-7) Over – Under 126

There is a mammoth game on the board for us today as 16th Indiana goes to Wisconsin to play the 25th ranked Badgers. This Big 10 match up could have a big effect on the final season standings in the conference. Both are in position to get a strong seed in the NCAA Tournament but they have to take care of conference opponents. These teams are a combined 32-9 this season.
 
Wisconsin is a tough place to play and there are many theories of why; One of my favorite reasons is the fact the basketball arena is also used for Hockey. It provides a cold environment, something that opponents may not be used too. Opposing Players often complain about the chill in the air. Others say it’s just the way that Wisconsin play.
 
Bo Ryan, coach of Wisconsin, runs a unique swing offense. The swing offense is all about moving players and the ball, normally around the perimeter. It’s about screen, cuts, timing and passing. It can be tough to defend.
 
Speaking of defense, that seems to be a real advantage of Wisconsin playing at home. Wisconsin allows just 46 ppg game at home, which is several points lower than the 49 they have allowed per game this season. They are the number 1 defense in the country in points allowed and shooting percentage. It’s the defense that makes Wisconsin dangerous. They play a tough team defense.
 
Indiana Head Coach Tim Crean is in his 4th year and already has more wins this season in any other season. Crean is 44-70 since taking over, including 0-6 against Wisconsin.

Indiana is known for its basketball and the school has a loyal following.  Many feel that Cody Zeller may be the star they need. Zeller has been a major contributor for them this season. He is averaging 15.9 ppg, and is shooting .659 from the floor, 3rd best in the nation. Zeller is a big time talent, but he is just a freshman. He is playing in his the toughest away environment yet. He hasn’t seen this kind of defense before. I don’t think he is going to be that big of a factor.

 
The biggest factor in this game will be how Jordan Taylor, a guard for Wisconsin plays. Taylor scored 39 points last year against Indiana, a career high. It wasn’t luck. In his other game against Indiana, Taylor scored 28 points. Indiana doesnt play great defense and a talented scoring guard like Taylor will be able to dictate the game. Taylor leads this Badgers team in points and assist. As a senior he knows the swing offense well. The Wisconsin Badgers turn the ball over just 9 times a game, thats the 3rd least in the country.

Indiana offense is based of creating turnovers to turn up the tempo. Against a veteran, skilled guard like Taylor, they are not going to have any success. Make no doubt about it, the Wisconsin Badgers are the more talented team. They will win their 11th straight game over Indiana.

 
Pick: Wisconsin -7

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