Wisconsin basketball kicks off the new year at home against Iowa. Both teams come in with a record of 10-3. Read more for a full Wisconsin vs Iowa prediction and preview.
Wisconsin is 0-2 in conference play, falling to both Michigan and Illinois. Meanwhile, Iowa is 1-1, winning in an 80-79 thriller against Northwestern and falling just short against Michigan.
Game information:
Teams: Wisconsin (10-3) and Iowa (10-3)
Tip off: 6 p.m. CST
Watch: FS1
Listen: Badger Radio Network
Latest on Iowa basketball:
Iowa has met, if not slightly exceeded expectations in 2024. Their one ugly loss was Utah State back on November 22nd. Since then, they have defeated a Northwestern team that has played well early on this season. They were neck and neck with Michigan on the road, and battled #3 Iowa State, but ultimately fell in both contests.
Coming into the season, it was the expectation that Payton Sandfort would be the number one scoring threat for the Hawkeyes. Sandfort, a senior, has played well, averaging 16.5 points per game, and is projected to be drafted in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. However, it has been Owen Freeman who has averaged the highest points per game for the Hawkeyes. Freeman is averaging 17.1 points per game as a sophomore, a hefty increase from his 10.6 points per game in his freshmen campaign. Freeman was out with an ankle injury in Iowa’s 112-70 win over New Hampshire on Dec. 30 but is expected to play this game. The two forwards (Sandfort and Freeman) could cause havoc in the paint for Wisconsin.
Latest on Wisconsin basketball:
Wisconsin is still trying to redefine themselves as a top 25 team after losing three straight games in December. Their last game was on December 22nd, when they beat Detroit Mercy 76-53. Steven Crowl has gotten going for the Badgers, scoring 33 points across his last two games. However, it is on defense where the Badgers need Crowl to show up tonight. Both Freeman and Sandfort move very well, and if Crowl struggles to defend on the perimeter, then forwards Xavier Amos and Carter Gilmore will likely replace him.
John Tonje, who had a blazing hot start to the season, has scored no more than 14 points in each of the Badgers’ last four games. Max Klesmit has had multiple 20+ point performances, but he has also had multiple scoreless nights. John Blackwell has been a steady presence at the one for the Badgers, averaging 14.2 points per game. Head coach Greg Gard’s Christmas wish should be consistency for his team.
The Badgers are favored by 6.5 points. The age-old question will be rest or rust for Wisconsin, who take the floor for the first time in 12 days. I think they start the first half rusty, and Iowa will be able to stave off a second-half comeback effort.