Pinnacle Odds: Michigan vs. Wisconsin
by Greg Dempson
Who will be seeded higher after the championship game televised nationally on CBS-TV at 3:00 Eastern, Michigan or Wisconsin?
Today’s favorite two words in the sporting world will be “Selection Sunday!” Trailing behind will be, “The first 4 in vs. the last 4 out.” I love this time of the season and Madness is most certainly appropriate for the upcoming “Big Dance” as well as the NIT, the CIT, etcetera.
So, who is the hotter of the two teams right now, Michigan or Wisconsin? The Wolverines have won six of their last seven straight up, (5-2 ATS,) and reeled off consecutive Neutral site victories vs. Illinois, Purdue and Minnesota. As for the Badgers, they were heading in a downward spiral until their “players only,” closed door meeting. Since then, Wisconsin has defeated Minnesota at home as well as garnering two Neutral site victories vs. Indiana and Northwestern. The Badgers play tenacious defense and have held all Conference opponents to an average of 62.3 points per game.
Cut to the Chase
· Wisconsin is the higher tournament seeded BIG-12 team while Michigan is seeded at #8. The last lower seeded team in the championship game to pull off an outright upset was the Hawkeyes back in 2001 as a #6 seed.
· The Wolverines have three wins in three consecutive days and are playing for a fourth day in a row, edge to Wisconsin. I like to back the team with the rebounding edge as well as a team with the better defense, edge to Wisconsin.
· Michigan is 0-3 vs. Wisconsin in tournament play with their most recent loss on March 13, 2015, a (71-60) defeat in the quarter finals.
· The Badgers are 10-2 ATS after two straight games where they were called for 15 or less fouls this season.
· The Wolverines are 1-4 straight up vs. the Badgers the past three seasons.
· Wisconsin is 7-1 ATS this season after two straight wins by 10 or more points.
Coaches Corner
· Michigan’s head coach Beilein/Team is 29-42 ATS and -17.20-units in road games off a win against a conference rival.
· Wisconsin’s head coach Gard/Team is 12-2 ATS and +9.80-units after two straight games where they were called for 15 or less fouls.
I’m Putting it in Neutral
· Play on Neutral court teams as a favorite or pick after two straight games where the team committed 11 or less turnovers when playing against an opponent that’s off a game while committing 8 or less turnovers. This system is 138-81 = 63% ATS since 1997 as well as 9-4 ATS this season.
Every Edge in Review
· My official selection in the NBA and College sit at 7-8 ATS and I do have a game that I bet with some weight this afternoon.
College Basketball Pick
My official Everyedge.com wagered on selection is to take the Wisconsin Badgers at -125 on the money line, (when I bet on the game.)