Wisconsin vs Michigan Big Ten Tournament Final: Opening Odds & Expert Picks
Wisconsin enters the Big Ten Tournament title game as 2.5-point favorites (-155 ML) over Michigan, with the total set at 150.5. The game tips off Sunday at 3:30 pm ET from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Jordan Poole in red Wizards jersey
Wisconsin's Tournament Run:
- Defeated #13 Northwestern 70-63
- Beat UCLA 86-70 in quarterfinals
- Edged Michigan State 77-74 in semifinals
- John Tonje leading scorer (32 points vs MSU)
Michigan's Path:
- Received double-bye as #3 seed
- Dominated Purdue 86-68 in quarters
- Won thriller vs Maryland 81-80 in semis
- Danny Wolf (21 pts, 14 reb) and Vladislav Goldin (25 pts, 10 reb) dominated inside
Key Matchup Analysis:
- Wisconsin has size to match Michigan's twin 7-footers (Wolf/Goldin)
- Badgers rank 47th in defensive rebounding % and 39th in 2-point defense
- Wisconsin's Steven Crowl (7'0") and Nolan Winter (6'11") provide strong interior presence
- Tonje playing his best basketball of season (averaging 25.3 ppg in tournament)
The Pick: Wisconsin -2.5 (-110) Reasoning: Wisconsin's defensive presence and size neutralizes Michigan's main advantage, while Tonje's hot streak gives Badgers the offensive edge needed to cover.
Previous Meeting: Michigan won 67-64 at Wisconsin in December, but both teams are playing differently now.