Wisconsin Badgers vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Picks and Predictions January 26th 2025

Strong at Home, No. 18 Wisconsin Looks to Extend Nebraska’s Losing Streak

As the Big Ten basketball season heats up, No. 18 Wisconsin aims to capitalize on its dominant home record when it faces a struggling Nebraska squad on Sunday afternoon in Madison, Wis. The matchup pits two teams with contrasting momentum, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.

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Wisconsin Eyes a Rebound

The Badgers (15-4, 5-3 Big Ten) return home after a hard-fought 85-83 loss at UCLA on Tuesday, a game that snapped their seven-game winning streak. Despite the setback, Wisconsin boasts an impressive 10-1 record at home this season and will look to leverage the Kohl Center’s energy to get back on track.

Head coach Greg Gard remains optimistic about the team’s ability to bounce back:
“It’s been over a month since we’ve taken a bump, so we’ll learn from this and continue to work on the things we need to improve,” Gard said.

Wisconsin averages 82.5 points per game while allowing 71.1, showcasing a balanced offense and defense. A key stat in the Badgers’ favor: they are 27-1 dating back to last season when holding opponents to 70 points or fewer.

Key Players Driving Wisconsin’s Success

The Badgers feature a well-rounded roster with multiple scoring threats:

• John Tonje leads the team with 17.5 points per game, while John Blackwell adds 16.4. Blackwell has been on fire lately, scoring 20 or more points in four of the last six games, including a 23-point performance against UCLA.
• Steven Crowl, Nolan Winter, and Max Klesmit each contribute 10.4 points per game, with Winter and Crowl also leading in rebounding.

A major strength for Wisconsin is its efficiency at the free-throw line. The Badgers lead the nation in free-throw percentage at 85.5%, making 347 free throws — the same number their opponents have merely attempted. This consistency could be a deciding factor in close games.

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Nebraska’s Struggles Continue

For Nebraska (12-7, 2-6 Big Ten), the season has taken a sharp turn. After a six-game winning streak, the Cornhuskers have now dropped five straight, including a narrow 78-73 home loss to USC on Wednesday. Despite the losing streak, Nebraska has remained competitive, with its last three losses decided by a combined 11 points.

Head coach Fred Hoiberg emphasized the importance of staying united during tough times:
“When you’re on a streak like this, human nature is to start questioning things, but we have to stay together. We’re heading into one of the toughest environments in the league, and we need to be ready.”

Nebraska’s Top Performers

The Cornhuskers rely heavily on their leading scorer, Brice Williams, who averages 18.5 points per game. Williams has been consistent throughout the season, providing a steady offensive presence.

Juwan Gary has also stepped up, averaging 12.5 points per game, including a career-high 27 points in the loss to USC. Meanwhile, Berke Buyuktuncel leads the team with 5.8 rebounds per game, giving Nebraska a presence on the boards.

A notable storyline is the return of Connor Essegian to Madison. Essegian, who transferred to Nebraska after two seasons with Wisconsin, has thrived in his new role. The sharp-shooting swingman averages 11.5 points in just 23 minutes per game, leading the Cornhuskers with 49 three-pointers on 41.5% shooting from deep.

What to Watch For

1. Wisconsin’s Defense vs. Nebraska’s Offense:
   Wisconsin has been dominant when holding teams to 70 points or fewer. Nebraska’s Brice Williams will need to lead the charge to break that trend.
2. Free-Throw Efficiency:
   With Wisconsin leading the nation in free-throw percentage, Nebraska will need to limit fouls to avoid giving the Badgers easy points at the line.
3. Connor Essegian’s Return:
   Essegian’s history with Wisconsin adds an emotional element to the game. Can he rise to the occasion against his former team?

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Game Outlook

While Nebraska has shown resilience, Wisconsin’s home dominance and depth give them the upper hand. The Badgers’ ability to control the pace and capitalize on defensive stops could prove decisive. Nebraska will need a near-flawless performance, particularly from its key players, to pull off an upset in one of the league’s toughest arenas.

Predicted Key Matchups

• John Blackwell vs. Brice Williams: Both players are their team’s go-to scorers and could dictate the game’s outcome.
• Rebounding Battle: With Winter and Crowl anchoring the glass for Wisconsin, Nebraska’s Buyuktuncel and Gary will need to match their intensity.

As the Big Ten season intensifies, this matchup offers Wisconsin the chance to strengthen its standing while Nebraska seeks to end its skid. With both teams motivated and storylines aplenty, Sunday’s showdown promises to deliver compelling basketball action.