Intra-conference college basketball games are underway across the nation. That means plenty of enticing matchups over the next few months, especially in the Big Ten. Following a terrific 2024-25 campaign, the Badgers have kept it up with a 7-2 record this season. Wednesday presents a golden opportunity for Wisconsin to add to its resume. #23 Nebraska is on a roll, winning all nine of its games so far. Now, the Cornhuskers will look to make a major statement in Lincoln.
Which of these B1G rivals will come out on top tonight? Wisconsin enters this contest as 1.5-point favorites (-102) over Nebraska. The total is set at 160.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here’s a college basketball pick, preview and prediction for Wednesday’s game between the Badgers and Cornhuskers.
Wisconsin vs. Nebraska prediction, preview
It’s not as if the Huskers have beaten up on scrubs during their hot start. Wins over Creighton, Kansas State, New Mexico and Oklahoma are nothing to sneeze at. Keep in mind, this program has won 20+ games over the last two seasons. Key to those efforts has been an offensive game plan that prioritizes shooting from beyond the arc. Nebraska ranks second in the Big Ten with 11.1 three-pointers made and 31.9 threes attempted per game. Leading the charge has been forward Rienk Mast. The Dutchman has delivered a team-leading 18.1 points on stellar 55/45/79 shooting splits. In addition, Iowa transfer Pryce Sandfort has chipped in with 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
Nebraska’s biggest improvement this season has actually ttcome on the defensive end of the floor. The Cornhuskers have a defensive rating of 94.5, fourth-best in the Big Ten and 43rd-best in college basketball. In comparison, they only ranked tenth out of 18 schools in the conference last year. However, there may be some luck involved in those statistics. Per KenPom, the team ranks 250th in defensive efficiency (108.7). Although the Huskers are good at forcing turnovers, they don’t have much in terms of rim protection.
A lack of size could spell trouble tonight for Nebraska. Three different players in Wisconsin’s regular rotation are at least 6’10”. That includes Nolan Winter, averaging 13.1 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. The big man has recorded a double-double in five of his nine appearances this season. He’s a key piece to the team’s offense, but certainly not the piece. John Blackwell (21.0 PPG) and Nick Boyd (20.2 PPG) form one of the nation’s elite back courts. The Badgers are the only Big Ten squad that makes and attempts more three-pointers than the Cornhuskers.
With that being said, defense has proven to be an issue in Madison. Granted, that’s partially a result of the team’s high-paced offense. Regardless, Wisconsin has surrendered the fifth-most points per game in the Big Ten (73.8). That’s not much of a difference for the Badgers. Under the last three seasons under head coach Greg Gard, they’ve ranked 123rd or worse in defensive rating.
Wisconsin vs. Nebraska pick, best bet
A dependence on three-pointers could turn this one into a shootout. However, it also means more variance for both sides. Nebraska’s first month has them on track for a return to the NCAA Tournament. However, it’s fair to say they haven’t faced any juggernauts. Wisconsin will be the best team that the Cornhuskers have faced this season. A bigger, more experienced Badgers group has the edge tonight in this early-season litmus test.
