Xavier vs. Wisconsin Prediction – Who’s Got Next
Xavier vs. Wisconsin prediction and preview. Who’s Got Next analyzes the NCAA Tournament’s second round matchup between the Badgers and Musketeers.
Xavier vs. Wisconsin prediction and preview. Who’s Got Next analyzes the NCAA Tournament’s second round matchup between the Badgers and Musketeers.
How they got here
Xavier beat No. 15 Weber State 71-53; Wisconsin beat No. 10 Pitt 47-43
Why Xavier will win
When Xavier is at its best, it has its inside-outside game working. Guard Trevon Bluiett is a special player, someone who can work going to the basket or knocking down the open 3-pointer, and he’ll need to make sharp cuts to lose Wisconsin’s defenders. Guard Edmond Sumner is an X-factor. If the freshman uses his size to his advantage and takes care of the ball, Wisconsin will be in trouble. He can’t try to do too much on the floor. Forward Jalen Reynolds is a solid rebounder who has to protect the rim without getting into foul trouble early.
Why Wisconsin will win
No team in the country is better at making teams uncomfortable than Wisconsin, and the Badgers don’t worry about playing any one style. Bo Ryan may be gone, but UW has learned to play without him by continuing his legacy of playing defense and avoiding turnovers. Forward Nigel Hayes and guard Bronson Koenig are the most experienced players on the team, and Hayes’ ability to score inside and out, and rebound and defense makes him tough to handle. The emergence of Ethan Happ in the paint has changed Wisconsin’s game, and if Happ can be a hub for the Badgers’ attack, UW has a bright future..
Xavier vs. Wisconsin Prediction
Wisconsin won’t blow anyone away with its athleticism, but its discipline is special. That said, Xavier has been great at controlling the tempo and using its athleticism to get easy shots this year, and Bluiett is the kind of player who can take over games. It won’t be easy, but look for XU to move on.
Xavier vs. Wisconsin Final Score Prediction: Xavier 57, Wisconsin 51.
