Game Info & Predictions: Wisconsin Looks to Remain Perfect Against UCF

The Wisconsin basketball team takes its perfect 5-0 record to West Virginia this afternoon to take on the UCF Knights (4-0) as a part of the Greenbrier Tip-Off. 

The schedule for the Badgers is about to get more difficult. Outside of a game against Chicago State, the Badgers will play UCF, LSU or Pitt, and No. 15 Marquette before starting conference play against Michigan on Dec. 3rd. 

A strong showing at the Greenbier Tip-Off should give them some momentum heading into their difficult stretch coming up. 

Game Info

Where: Colonial Hall - White Sulphur Springs, WV
When: Friday, November 22 - 4:00 PM
Watch: CBSSN
Listen: Badger Radio Network

Matchup History

Surprisingly, Wisconsin and UCF have never faced off before. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs. 

All Badgers Staff Game Predictions

According to ESPN analytics, the Badgers have a 65.6% chance to come out victorious over the Knights this evening.

The Badgers are 4.5-point favorites over the Knights, according to the FanDuel odds.

Bart Torvik has a projected score of 75-73, in favor of the Badgers in a close game. 

Dillon Graff (3-1)

Greg Gard and the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team have cruised to a 5-0 start while admirably defending their home court.

Now, they'll hit the road for the inaugural Greenbrier Tip-Off in West Virginia, where they’ll face their toughest test yet in UCF (4-0).

The Knights rank No. 66 on KenPom and have a dangerous duo in Jordan Ivy-Curry and Keyshawn Hall, both capable of taking over games with their scoring, averaging 17.8 and 17.5 points per game, respectively. UCF has also made a name for itself on the offensive glass, presenting an intriguing challenge for Wisconsin's frontcourt and interior defense.

However, the Badgers have been incredibly efficient offensively, getting it done from beyond the arc and also at the free-throw line, where they're connecting on 88.6% of attempts as a team. Wisconsin's balanced attack, combined with its ability to mix and match lineups, gives them the edge in a game that could come down to execution in the final minutes.

The Badgers’ overall discipline and shooting efficiency will be the difference-maker as they advance to the tournament’s championship round.

Wisconsin 78 - UCF 73

Kedrick Stumbris (3-1)

In Wisconsin and UCF, we have a matchup of two undefeated teams, neither of which have played away from their home arena this season. Both of these teams have a marquee home win against a high-major opponent, but other not-so-impressive wins against what should be lesser competition. This opening matchup at the Greenbrier Tip-Off should tell us a thing or two about the Badgers and Knights.

While Wisconsin’s defense allows teams to take an outsized number of three-point shots, what the UCF defense allows is on another level. If Wisconsin can take advantage of its opportunities beyond the perimeter, it should come away with a victory. If It cannot do so, the Badgers will be challenged on the interior by UCF freshman center Moustapha Thiam - a shot-blocking menace who tallied six blocks on opening night against Texas A&M. Pair that with a roster that has all-around talent cleaning up the offensive glass, and there is a scenario this gets away from the Badgers if they have a rough day shooting in a hotel ballroom.

Even with that risk, Wisconsin wins. Its offensive efficiency and overall scoring output has made UCF’s offense look pedestrian at times this season. If things are not going well for the Badgers, I expect a heavy dose of John (Tonje) and John (Blackwell) getting to the line to gut out a tough victory. 

Wisconsin 80 - UCF 70

Christian Borman (3-1)

This is the first time the Badgers have left the Kohl Center to play a game this year. After surviving a scare against a sneaky-good UTRGV team, the Badgers have had a few days to prepare for UCF. 

The Badgers are going to be facing one of the better defensive teams in the country to this point. The Knights rank sixth in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency, according to Bark Torvik. Meanwhile, Wisconsin is No. 3 in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. Something's gotta give tonight. 

This Wisconsin basketball team has continued to surprise me. I'm going to ride with them until they show me otherwise. If this does turn out to be a good game, I like Wisconsin's chances with their ability to get to the free throw line and convert. I'll take Wisconsin in a close one. 

Wisconsin 75 - UCF 71 

Staff Predictions: Wisconsin 3-0

Cumulative Season Record: 9-3