North Texas vs Wisconsin Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Mid-Major Favored Against Big Ten Foe
Tuesday night features a doubleheader with the NIT semifinals. No. 2 North Texas (29-7) against No. 2 Wisconsin (20-14) looks like the best matchup of the night. The Mean Green is favored by two points, which is the sportsbook’s smallest point spread in the semifinals.
North Texas is riding a three-game winning streak while going 2-1 against the spread (ATS) and comes off a thrilling 65-59 win in overtime against Oklahoma State. Wisconsin is also on a three-game winning streak while going 2-0-1 ATS. Let’s check the latest college basketball news surrounding this matchup.
North Texas Representing Conference USA Well
Participating in the NIT is a disappointment for most Power Six schools, as playing in the NCAA Tournament is the ultimate goal. However, winning the NIT can be a great achievement for mid-major teams. Conference USA continues to be represented well in March. Florida Atlantic has made an incredible run to the Final Four while North Texas and UAB are in the semifinals of the NIT. NCAA basketball odds also have North Texas (+250) and UAB (+240) as the favorites to win the NIT.
This would be Mean Green’s first NIT title. North Texas is favored in college basketball picks for good reason. Don’t be fooled by the mid-major brand. This program can contend with Power Six programs. The Mean Green have reached 20 wins in five of the last six seasons. Plus, they won an NCAA Tournament game in 2021.
North Texas ranks 33rd in Kenpom ratings and 22nd in defensive efficiency. Wisconsin plays a similar brand of basketball, leaning on its exceptional defense. However, the Mean Green are a cut above as they lead the nation in allowed points per game. Both teams struggle with efficiency, ranking outside the top 200 in shooting percentage.
Wisconsin: Exceptional Perimeter Defense
This was not the season the Wisconsin Badgers hoped for. Coach Greg Gard is on the hot seat but winning the NIT could buy him more time. Wisconsin has never won the NIT. College basketball lines list it as the third favorite to win the tournament (+275).
The Badgers continue to get it done on the defensive end. Opponents are averaging 63.7 points in the NIT. Wisconsin’s perimeter defense has been elite, holding opponents to 26.8% on 3-pointers in the last three games. North Texas shoots better than 36% from deep and is averaging 11 3-pointers in the NIT.
The defense pulls a favorable matchup, but scoring could prove to be a challenge. The Mean Green feature one of college basketball’s top defensive units, ranking in the top 16 of every major shooting category. The Badgers need good efficiency from players like guard Chucky Hepburn (12.1 points) and forward Steven Crowl (12.2 points). Hepburn totaled 27 points in the second round of the NIT, and Crowl erupted for 36 points in the first round.
STEVEN CROWL ALREADY PUTTING ON A SHOW!@BadgerMBB | #NIT2023 | #NITMBB
📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/kmWzhHs9qS— NITMBB (@NITMBB) March 19, 2023
North Texas vs Wisconsin Game Injuries
North Texas vs Wisconsin Head-to-Head
Tuesday will be the first meeting between the programs.
North Texas vs Wisconsin Game Information
- Game: No. 2 North Texas (29-7) vs. No. 2 Wisconsin (20-14)
- Location: Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- Day/Time: Tuesday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. ET
- North Texas vs Wisconsin Live stream: TBS.com
North Texas vs Wisconsin Betting Lines
North Texas vs Wisconsin Picks and Prediction
It can be difficult to overlook the brand names in this matchup. However, NCAA basketball odds favor North Texas for a reason. The Mean Green have a superior defense while Wisconsin has one of college basketball’s most inefficient offenses. Plus, North Texas has better guard play, which typically leads to success in the postseason. Guard Tylor Perry (17.3 points) is averaging 22.3 points in the last three games. Look for North Texas’ defense and backcourt to lead to a cover.
North Texas is listed at -130 in our Las Vegas college basketball lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Mean Green, you have a chance to win $77. Wisconsin is +110, offering a chance to win $110 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives North Texas a 56.52% chance to win, with the Badgers at 47.62%.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
