The Wisconsin Badgers are set to face off against the UCLA Bruins at the Kohl Center this Tuesday, January 6th, with a tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM on Peacock. The Badgers enter this game as 3.5-point favorites.
Recent Performance of Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin’s recent form has been troubling. The team experienced a significant setback against the Purdue Boilermakers, losing 89-73 last Saturday. This defeat dropped their record to 9-5, and the Badgers are yet to secure a win in Quad 1 games, now holding an 0-5 record in that category. Each of these losses was by double-digit margins.
In their previous match, Wisconsin struggled with their three-point shooting, hitting only 4 of 25 attempts. To improve their chances against UCLA, they need to enhance both their shooting accuracy and defensive strategies.
UCLA Bruins Overview
On the other hand, the UCLA Bruins arrive with a 10-4 record, but they, too, are searching for consistency. The team found some momentum with a strong win against Washington on December 3rd but faltered against ranked opponents like the Iowa Hawkeyes, suffering a 74-61 defeat last Saturday.
Mick Cronin, the Bruins’ head coach, expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s effort, particularly in the first half, where they fell behind 40-22.
Key Players for UCLA
- Tyler Bilodeau: Averaging 18.2 points per game, Bilodeau has been a consistent scoring leader. However, he underperformed against Iowa, scoring just 10 points.
- Donovan Dent: A vital addition from the transfer portal, Dent averages 13.5 points per game and ranks third in the Big Ten with 6.5 assists.
- Skyy Clark: Leads the Bruins in shooting accuracy, hitting 48.6 percent from three-point range, though he is dealing with a hamstring injury.
- Eric Dailey Jr.: The team’s leading rebounder with an average of 5.5 rebounds per game.
- Xavier Booker: A former Michigan State forward, Booker averages 8.4 points and is known for his shot-blocking capabilities with 1.3 blocks per game.
Implications for the Badgers
This match holds significant weight for Wisconsin’s chances of making it to the NCAA tournament. They must secure a win against UCLA to correct their current trajectory. Improving their defensive plays is crucial, as demonstrated by the struggles against Purdue.
The Badgers may find an advantage in their size, which could be pivotal in their pursuit of a second Big Ten victory. If they can disrupt UCLA’s scoring and convert their own opportunities effectively, they have a chance to triumph. In this competitive matchup, the prediction leans towards Wisconsin overcoming UCLA 79-74.
