Friday’s NCAA Tournament action will begin winding down with what could be a thrilling matchup between No. 12 James Madison (31-3) and No. 5 Wisconsin (22-13). The Dukes opened the season with a stunning victory over then-No. 4 Michigan State, so they could be a worthy opponent for the Badgers.
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Find out more about this offer and see our best bets for James Madison vs. Wisconsin below.
No. 12 James Madison vs. No. 5 Wisconsin Odds
- Spread: James Madison +5 (-105) • Wisconsin -5 (-115)
- Moneyline: James Madison (+185) • Wisconsin (-225)
- Total: Over 145 (-110) • Under 145 (-110)
James Madison’s record is far superior to Wisconsin’s, but strength of schedule is a key factor to pay attention to with these two schools. The Badgers had the second-hardest schedule in college basketball, per KenPom, while the Dukes came in at No. 293.
Despite that, this spread has every reason to be this tight. James Madison proved it could hang around with the Big Ten’s best when it upset Michigan State earlier this season, while Wisconsin struggled at times against lesser conference opponents like Michigan and Rutgers.
The total is appropriately set at 145 points. Both teams boast top-60 offenses, though the Badgers’ deliberately slow tempo and lockdown defense could keep this one from getting too high.
James Madison vs. Wisconsin Prediction
On paper, this looks like the classic 12-5 matchup that could go either way. James Madison has the superior record, but its level of competition doesn’t come close to the gauntlet Wisconsin put itself through.
The Dukes flashed cinderella potential when they took down the Spartans to begin the year, but can lightning strike twice? The Badgers will take their opponent seriously, and their collective experience should keep them from getting ahead of themselves. Wisconsin returns nearly 90% of its minutes from last year’s team.
One area of concern for the Badgers is defending the perimeter. Wisconsin limited opponents to just 18.7 three-point attempts per game this season, but it also allowed them to convert 37.1% from beyond the arc — a bottom-20 mark nationally.
Three-point shooting may be a challenge for the Badgers as well. James Madison’s opponents connected on a mere 28.8% of their looks from deep during the regular season, which is good for fifth-lowest in the country. Michigan State felt that in full force, going a staggering 1-for-20 from three-point range.
Ultimately, though, I’m on Wisconsin to win a tight one. The Badgers are one of the best teams in the nation at keeping opponents off the glass, and that advantage could play a key role down the stretch.
James Madison vs. Wisconsin Best Bets
James Madison +5 (-105) vs Wisconsin
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
James Madison is no stranger to playing spoiler, and it’ll have an opportunity to do so again in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. I believe in the Dukes’ ability to keep things close, but it would take a historically poor shooting performance from the Badgers for them to lose outright.
This will likely come down to free throws and intentional fouls, and that’s one area where Wisconsin holds a significant advantage.
Under 145 (-110) vs Team
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
It’s in the Badgers’ best interest to slow the tempo and limit the Dukes’ possessions. James Madison averages 84.4 points per game — 10th in the country — and Wisconsin won’t want to get into a track meet with a team that shoots as well as the Dukes do.
I expect the Badgers to use their superior size to its advantage and crash the glass to keep James Madison from scoring on second-chance opportunities. As a result, I’m leaning toward the Under at 145 points.
James Madison vs. Wisconsin: Best Betting Promo
Whether you’re on James Madison or Wisconsin to win this first-round matchup, you can get $150 in bonus bets by tapping DraftKings Sportsbook and creating an account.
Once you’re in, simply place a $5 bet on the game. Win or lose, you’ll receive $150 in bonus bets paid as six tokens worth $25 each. Use these in place of cash to maximize your potential winnings while minimizing your risk.
Any unused bonus bets will expire after seven days, so get to betting on the NCAA Tournament.
