Butler Bulldogs vs Wisconsin Badgers Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

No. 20 Wisconsin Faces Butler in Non-Conference Battle

With conference play looming, the No. 20 Wisconsin Badgers (8-3) and Butler Bulldogs (7-3) meet in the Indy Classic on Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis. Both teams are eager to bounce back from recent losses and fine-tune their games as they prepare for grueling league schedules.

Wisconsin Looks to Stop the Skid

The Badgers, who have dropped three straight games, are coming off a tough 86-80 loss to unranked Illinois. Head coach Greg Gard is using these non-conference matchups to solidify his rotation and develop key players before the Big Ten schedule resumes in January.

Nolan Winter, Wisconsin’s 7-foot sophomore forward, continues to show promise. He tied his career-high 15 points against Illinois while logging 29 minutes. Gard sees untapped potential in Winter, particularly in his ability to shoot from deep:
“I want him aggressive offensively, I want him hunting looking for threes.”

Winter, who averages 9.7 points per game, took seven 3-point attempts against Illinois, connecting on two. He’s shooting 34.8 percent from beyond the arc this season, a notable improvement from last year’s 30.8 percent.

Wisconsin’s depth is another focus, with Gard looking to expand minutes for players like Jack Janicki and Carter Gilmore, while continuing to develop Xavier Amos.

The Badgers aim to use their games against Butler and Detroit Mercy to regain confidence and momentum before diving back into the Big Ten schedule.

Butler Seeks to Rebound from Recent Struggles

The Bulldogs are looking to snap a two-game losing streak after a narrow 71-68 loss to North Dakota State on Tuesday. Despite rallying from a 23-point deficit, Butler struggled to contain Jacari White, who scored 27 points and sank seven 3-pointers to thwart the comeback.

Head coach Thad Matta called out the team’s lack of focus:
“That’s something that with a veteran team … just can’t happen.”

Adding to Butler’s woes, Augusto Cassia, a key starter, suffered a knee injury in the second half of Tuesday’s game. His status remains uncertain pending the results of an MRI.

The Bulldogs rely heavily on Jahmyl Telfort and Pierre Brooks, who combine for 31.8 points per game. To succeed against Wisconsin, Butler will need to control the tempo, drive to the basket, and improve its defensive execution, especially against sharpshooters like Winter.

Keys to the Game

Wisconsin Badgers:

• Utilize Winter’s Shooting: Encourage Winter to maintain his aggression from beyond the arc and capitalize on his height advantage.
• Balance the Rotation: Gard needs to find the right mix of minutes for his bench players to support the starters.
• Control the Paint: Limit Butler’s ability to drive and score inside.

Butler Bulldogs:

• Recover Defensively: Address the lapses that allowed North Dakota State to build a massive early lead.
• Capitalize on Tempo: Use pace and strong drives to the basket to disrupt Wisconsin’s defensive rhythm.
• Step Up in Cassia’s Absence: Find a way to replace the production lost if Cassia remains sidelined.

Who will cut down the nets? Find out in College Basketball Championship Odds!

Matchup Outlook

Wisconsin’s size and depth could pose challenges for Butler, but the Bulldogs’ ability to dictate the pace may keep the game competitive. Both teams have plenty to prove as they prepare for the grind of their respective conference schedules.

The Indy Classic offers a pivotal opportunity for each team to sharpen its focus and rebound from recent setbacks. With contrasting styles and shared stakes, this clash promises an exciting showdown.