After facing a loss against the UConn Huskies, the BYU Cougars will now be hosting the Badgers at home in Salt Lake City. Uconn holds a 3-1 record while Wisconsin holds a clean 4-0 record in this season. The two teams met last in the NCAA Tournament second round matchup last season, where BYU had to face a 91-89 loss.
So, will the Badgers be able to avenge their loss in this NCAA Tournament rematch? Let’s find out.
BYU vs Wisconsin Predictions
BYU enters Friday with a 3-1 record after a narrow 86-84 loss to No.3 UConn in Boston. The Cougars trailed by 20 in the second half but mounted a strong rally despite losing starting forward Keba Keita to an early injury. Top recruit AJ Dybantsa has quickly become BYU’s focal point, averaging 20.3 points and 6.8 rebounds with elite efficiency. The projected top NBA Draft pick delivered 21 points in the second half alone against UConn, fueling the Cougars’ comeback push.
The backcourt of Richie Saunders and Robert Wright III provides consistent production. Saunders contributes 19.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, while Wright III adds 17.8 points and a team-high 4.3 assists. The frontcourt is in flux, with senior Mihailo Boskovic stepping in for Keita and posting four points and five rebounds against UConn.
The Badgers are coming off a fourth-straight home victory this season with a 94-69 win over the SIU-Edwardsville Cougars. John Blackwell put up sold numbers, adding 24 points and making 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Also, watch out for Nick Boyd as well, who also had a solid all-around game with 22 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
Without Keba Keita on the field, the Badgers can take advantage of attacking the Cougars’ frontcourt. However, it would all come down to which team can get the most stops. ESPN’s matchup predictor estimates a 63% chance for BYU to win this matchup.
BYU vs Wisconsin Lineup
BYU Lineup
PG: Robert Wright III
SG: Richie Saunders
SF: Tyler Mrus
PF: AJ Dybantsa
C: Mihailo Boskovic
Wisconsin Lineup
PG: Nick Boyd
SG: John Blackwell
SF: Andrew Rohde
PF: Austin Rapp
C: Nolan Winter
Injury Report
In Saturday’s game against UConn, BYU starting center Keba Keita suffered a first-half injury after he took a hard hit to his head and shoulder area colliding with Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. Keita remains a game-time decision as of now. On the other hand, guards Kennard Davis and forward Brody Kozlowski are expected to remain out for this game.
For the Wisconsin Badgers, there is no significant injuries to report as all players in the roster seem available for this game.
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