Wisconsin (26-9) vs Montana (25-9)
Game Info: Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 1:30 pm (Ball Arena)
The Line: Betting Odds: Wisconsin -17 — Over/Under: 151.5
In this article, we will formulate a Montana vs Wisconsin prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 20th at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament.
Montana Grizzlies Betting Preview
The Montana Grizzlies are 25-9 (15-3) this year after they defeated Northern Colorado by a score of 91-83 in the Big Sky Title game. Montana led 48-39 at halftime, but they were outscored 44-43 in the second half in the win. The Grizzlies shot 65.2% from the field, 63.6% on three-pointers, and 85.7% on free throws in the game. Kai Johnson led Montana with 23 points and three rebounds, while Brandon Whitney added 18 points and three assists in the game.
Prior to that win, the Grizzlies defeated Idaho by a score of 78-55 and Northern Arizona by a score of 74-65. Montana has won 14 of their last 15 games and they finished tied for first in the Big Sky standings with a 15-3 record. The Grizzlies didn’t pick up any good non-conference wins, but they did lose to Oregon by 31, Tennessee by 35, and Utah State by 12. Montana has scored 76.9 points per game and they have allowed 72.9 points per game, while also averaging 31.7 rebounds and 13.6 assists per game this season. Money Williams is averaging 13.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, while Malik Moore is averaging 12.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this year. Montana is shooting 50.2% from the field, 73.6% on free throws, and 36% on three-pointers this season.
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers are 26-9 (13-7) this season after they lost to Michigan by a score of 59-53 in the Big Ten Title game. Wisconsin led 23-21 at halftime, but they were outscored 38-30 in the second half in the loss. The Badgers shot 22.1% from the field, 17.9% on three-pointers, and 88.9% on free throws in the game. John Blackwell led Wisconsin with 18 points and five rebounds, while Max Klesmit added 12 points and three assists in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Badgers defeated Michigan State by a score of 77-74 and UCLA by a score of 86-70. Wisconsin has won three of their last four games and they finished tied for fourth in the Big Ten standings with a 13-7 record. The Badgers have non-conference wins over Arizona, Pittsburgh, and Butler. Wisconsin has scored 79.7 points per game and they have allowed 70.4 points per game, while also averaging 36.5 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game this season. John Tonje is averaging 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while John Blackwell is averaging 15.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this year. Wisconsin is shooting 45.2% from the field, 82.8% on free throws, and 34.9% on three-pointers this season.
Why Wisconsin will beat Montana
- Wisconsin has won 10 of its last 11 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Montana has lost three of its last four day games against non-conference opponents.
- Montana has lost the first half in three of its last four day games against non-conference opponents.
Why Montana will beat Wisconsin
- Montana has won each of its last seven Thursday games.
- Wisconsin has lost three of its last four NCAA Tournament games against a lower seed.
Total Points Facts
- Thirty-two of Wisconsin’s last 36 day games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 151 or fewer points.
- Each of Montana’s last five Thursday games against non-conference opponents have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Wisconsin ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (118.0).
- Wisconsin ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (103.7).
- Montana ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for true shooting percentage this season (60.0%).
- Montana ranks T38th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.7).
David Racey is 35-12 (74%) in College Basketball over the last seven days. Click here for his premium plays for today!
Montana vs Wisconsin Prediction
Montana comes into this matchup after winning the Big Sky Tournament, but they are big underdogs in this game. Wisconsin lost to Michigan in the Big Ten Final, but they did knock of a very good MSU team prior to that. The Badgers are a very good offensive team, but that performance against Michigan has to be at least a little worrisome. Montana is shooting over 50% from the field this year and they have scored at least 78 points in three of their last four. The Badgers are the much better team in this matchup, but I do think Montana’s offense can get into the 70’s, so give me the over here.