Michigan and Wisconsin both won thrillers Saturday, so they’ll meet Sunday afternoon at the Big 10 tournament championship game in Indianapolis.
The Wolverines got a classic March Madness full-court drive and bucket to beat Maryland Saturday while the Badgers out-lasted top-seeded Michigan State. And we won’t be surprised when Sunday’s game comes down to the last few seconds, too.
Who do we like for our free college basketball betting pick?
NCAAB Betting Odds
The Big 10 tournament betting market opened Wisconsin at -3 for Sunday, with an over/under of right around 149. Both figures were holding steady in early betting action.
Big 10 Championship Betting Preview
Wisconsin reached this Big 10 tournament championship game by knocking off top-seeded Michigan State in a semifinal bout Saturday 77-74. The Badgers trailed the Spartans 45-41 early in the second half but used an 11-0 run to take the lead for good and held on from there.
Wisconsin only shot 43 percent from the field Saturday but held Michigan State to 41 percent.
The Badgers opened this Big 10 tournament with a 70-63 victory over Northwestern Thursday, then ripped UCLA Friday 86-70.
Wisconsin played 13-7 in the Big 10 during the regular season but struggled just a bit down the stretch, losing three of its last five games. But they’ve seemed to regain their mojo this week.
Meanwhile, Michigan reached this Big 10 tournament championship game by nipping Maryland in the other semifinal battle on Saturday 81-80. The Wolverines led that game 49-34 early in the second half, blew that entire lead to trail by one late, but won it on a full-court drive and hoop at the buzzer.
Michigan lost the turnover battle 19-6 but won the rebounding battle 47-18.
The Wolverines opened their Big 10 tournament with an 86-68 victory over Purdue Friday.
Michigan played 14-6 in the Big 10 this season to earn the No. 3 seed for this conference tournament. However, the Wolverines actually finished by losing their last three games to Illinois, Maryland, and Michigan State. So it appears Michigan has also found a bit of its earlier-season magic this weekend.
These teams met once earlier this season, a 67-64 Wolverines win at Madison back in December. Michigan trailed 64-61 late but scored the last six points of the game.
Also, that game played under a total of 152 as the teams combined to shoot just 37 percent from the floor.
Common Opponents
These teams played one common opponent recently, Michigan State. The Wolverines lost to the Spartans last Sunday 79-62, while the Badgers beat MSU Saturday 77-74.
Totals Report
The Overs are 20-14 in Badgers games this season, which are averaging 151 total points.
The Overs are 18-15 in Wolverines games, which are averaging 150 total points.
The Unders are 7-3 over the last 10 meetings between these teams.
