Michigan vs. Wisconsin Breakdown & Prediction

No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 22 Wisconsin

Time: 2:25PM ET

Venue: United Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Michigan 26-6, 12-6 Big Ten; Wisconsin 21-10, 12-6

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Trey Burke (19.2 ppg); Rebounds – Glenn Robinson III (5.5 rpg); Assists – Burke (6.8 apg); Steals – Burke (1.6 spg).

Wisconsin stat leaders: Points – Jared Berggren (11.5 ppg); Rebounds – Ryan Evans (7.5 rpg); Assists – Traevon Jackson (2.8 apg); Steals – Jackson (1.0 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan W1, Wisconsin W1

Point Spread: Michigan -3

Prediction: Similar to the win over Penn State, I would expect Michigan to play a highly-motivated game against Wisconsin on Friday. The Badgers gave the Wolverines one of their toughest losses of the season in Madison. Michigan clearly has more talent than the Badgers. The only way for Wisconsin to win is to out-work the Wolverines and dominate the glass, which is possible. However, I think Michigan will build off its strong second half against Penn State and match Wisconsin’s defensive intensity. It won’t take a ton of points to beat the Badgers, so Michigan just needs to be aggressive and create open looks on the perimeter through dribble penetration. In the end, I see Michigan winning by double digits. Michigan 66, Wisconsin 55

Wisconsin at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

No. 22 Wisconsin at No. 10 Michigan State

Time: 9 p.m.

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Wisconsin 20-9, 11-5 Big Ten; Michigan State 22-7, 11-5

Wisconsin stat leaders: Points – Jared Berggren (11.6 ppg); Rebounds – Ryan Evans (7.6 rpg); Assists – Traevon Jackson (2.7 apg); Steals – Jackson (1.1 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Gary Harris (13.3 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.4 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (3.8 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.7 spg).

Current Streaks: Wisconsin L1, Michigan State L3

Point Spread: Michigan State -4

Prediction: Michigan State has gotten rid of that stigma that Wisconsin had over it. The Spartans have won four straight over the Badgers and I think it will be five after tonight. Wisconsin can be a dangerous team and will challenge MSU with its defense, but the Spartans will also pose a problem defensively for Wisconsin. The Badgers don’t have enough solid outside shooting to keep pace with Michigan State’s athleticism. With MSU knowing it needs to win out to potentially get a share of the Big Ten title, I see the Spartans taking care of business. It may not be pretty, and it rarely is against Wisconsin, but MSU gets the nod. Michigan State 57, Wisconsin 50

Michigan at Wisconsin Breakdown & Prediction

No. 3 Michigan at Wisconsin

Time: Noon

Venue: Kohl Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Michigan 21-2, 8-2 Big Ten; Wisconsin 16-7, 7-3

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Trey Burke (18.1 ppg); Rebounds – Mitch McGary (6.0 rpg); Assists – Burke (7.2 apg); Steals – Burke (1.3 spg).

Wisconsin stat leaders: Points – Jared Berggren (11.8 ppg); Rebounds – Ryan Evans (7.7 rpg); Assists – Ben Brust (2.7 apg); Steals – Brust/Traevon Jackson (1.0 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan W1, Wisconsin W2

Point Spread: Michigan -2

Prediction: The Kohl Center has proven to be a tough place to play for most Big Ten teams, Michigan included. This game is a big one for the Wolverines, as they can’t really afford to come up short against the Badgers with some big games against Michigan State and Indiana still on the horizon. Wisconsin also badly needs this game to avoid a fourth loss in conference play. The key to this contest is simply talent. Michigan clearly has more talent. While I don’t doubt that Wisconsin will do well defensively to keep Michigan from piling on the points, I don’t see Wisconsin shooting the lights out to stay ahead of the Wolverines. Michigan may not have a great day scoring, but it doesn’t need to to win this game. Michigan 58, Wisconsin 54.