Montana vs Wisconsin Odds, Picks & Predictions (March 20)

• Montana battles with Wisconsin in NCAA Tournament First Round action on Thursday
• Montana is 14-1 in its last 15 games while Wisconsin is a mere 10-5 in that span
• Get my Montana vs Wisconsin picks and predictions, plus the betting odds

The Montana Grizzlies (19-12-3 ATS) aim to pull off a shocker when they meet the Wisconsin Badgers (22-13 ATS) in Denver, Colorado, on Thursday (1:30 pm ET). Montana won its conference tournament while Wisconsin upended Michigan State before narrowly falling to Michigan.  Now, the winner will play the BYU/VCU winner. Yes, the Grizzlies have been rolling. Montana went 13-5-3 ATS in conference while Wisconsin went an impressive 16-8 ATS in the Big 10. Bettors can watch Montana vs Wisconsin on TBS. In the meantime, check out my odds, picks, and predictions below.

Montana vs Wisconsin Odds

Wisconsin is now up to a 17.5-point favorite in the latest college basketball odds. The Badgers are -2100 on the moneyline at DraftKings with the Grizzlies growling in at +1100. The game total, as mentioned, is 152.5 with the under slightly favored at -115. 

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Odds as of March 19th at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you’re new to wagering on the NCAA Tournament, read SBD’s guide How to Bet on March Madness.

Montana Betting Trends

Montana will be looking to spring an upset much like they did in 2012 and 2013 (both as a 13 seed) on Thursday. The Grizzlies have not won an NCAA Tournament contest since 2013. One concern is those early 30+ point blowout losses to Oregon and Tennessee. Montana may not be the same team but if they get behind early, that could be a problem.

Montana, in its 14-1 run, won 11 of those games by five points or more. That included a 23-point rout over Idaho in their conference tournament. The Big Sky Champions showed they can up their tempo, scoring 91 points against Northern Colorado

The Grizzlies continued their strong conference play in the tournament cementing their run of good form. Wisconsin expects to face a team that can put some points on the scoreboard. 

Wisconsin Betting Trends

The Wisconsin Badgers can score points in bunches (see that 55-point first half versus Arizona) but can be streaky. Like Montana, Wisconsin ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to adjusted tempo (152nd overall). It will be up to the Johns to score. John Tonje averages 19.2 points per game while John Blackwell averages 15.5 a contest. Montana could have their hands full if both guards get hot early.

The Badgers need good looks and good fortune on the glass. Wisconsin ranks only 272nd when it comes to offensive rebounds at 9.7 per game. Fortunately, Montana is even worse at the offensive end, ranking 356th at 7.2 a contest. Clearing out for those defensive rebounds might be as much of a priority for the Badgers.

Additionally, the Badgers did upset Michigan State in the Big 10 Tournament before running out of gas against Michigan late. Greg Gard knows he has two special guards and a front court that can generate a few points in the paint at times. Wisconsin is tops in the country in free-throw shooting at 82.4%. That might make a difference when it comes to the large spread of 17.5.

It’s important to note, Wisconsin was 15-10 as a favorite this season. The Badgers have covered in 11 of their previous 12 wins.  

Montana vs Wisconsin Predictions

Alright, it is time for me to dole out some Montana versus Wisconsin predictions. Montana has failed to cover in three of its previous four games as an underdog. That includes two blowout losses. Montana showed an ability to put up some points which brings the over of 152.5 back into play. Wisconsin could blow the doors off and allow Montana back into the game enough.

I like the over on Thursday afternoon, and Montana to pull off a late cover despite their shortcomings. Their current form is better compared to earlier in the season.

Pick 1: Montana and Wisconsin Over 152.5 (-105) at DraftKings

Pick 2: Montana +17.5 points (-115) at DraftKings

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