Badger of Honor Staff Predictions: Wisconsin Over Arizona
By Jim Oxley
Our Badger of Honor Staff predictions are in, and collectively we’ve picked the Wisconsin Badgers to advance to the Final Four with a win over the Arizona Wildcats.
Here’s what our staff had to say about the game:
Wisconsin Badgers
Douglas J. Etten
Well. Here we are. It’s amazing after just 10 days of NCAA tourney action, it comes to do what most people in the country had going into the Elite 8. Wisconsin playing Arizona for a shot at the Final Four. I am sure most people won’t give as much credit to Wisconsin this week after not really struggling, but not putting away a North Carolina team the way Wisconsin is accustomed to doing. I can’t blame them. UW was sloppy at times, missed a TON of shots in the first half and did everything they could to give UNC a chance late in the game by putting them on the free throw line mid-way through the second half. I think Wisconsin has learned their lesson that when they play well, they are tough to beat. With a game like this behind them, and Traevon Jackson seemingly right back in the mix, people can doubt their athleticism all they want against a Wildcats team that can run wild. But Wisconsin still comes up on top in this one.
Wisconsin 76, Arizona 71
Jon Rzepecki
As bad as Wisconsin looked against UNC, Arizona looked worse against Xavier. That being said, the matchup is a good ol’ fashioned Rose Bowl game. Big 10/Pac 12 winners facing off in Southern California. Unlike Wisconsin’s football history in those games, the basketball team is primed for another takedown.
Wisconsin 67, Arizona 60
Live Feed
Cincy on the Prowl
Wisconsin did not play their best game against North Carolina and were still able to survive and advance. If they want to beat Arizona, they’re going to have to play near perfect to return to the Final Four. Sam Dekker continues his stellar play and Frank Kaminsky gets back on track. Once again it will be Zak Showalter providing key minutes in the game to spark the Badgers. It will be far from easy and although I don’t predict it, don’t be surprised to see this one go into overtime again. It will come down to free throws as Wisconsin will show why it’s the best in the country in that category.
Wisconsin 73, Arizona 71
Jim Oxley
This is likely going to be another one for the ages. Same two teams, same region as a year ago, top two seeds, Final Four on the line…you couldn’t script it any better. In my eyes, Wisconsin has the slight advantage on offense with a dominant scorer in Frank Kaminsky and one of the hottest offensive players in the tournament – Sam Dekker. If the Badgers offense can continue to produce, they should win a close, low-scoring game.
Wisconsin 68, Arizona 65
More from Wisconsin Badgers News
- Wisconsin Football flips 3-star defensive tackle from Northwestern
- Former Wisconsin Football stars to be featured on the next Wheaties box
- Four-star running back Darrion Dupree commits to Wisconsin Football
- Wisconsin Football wide receiver enters the transfer portal
- Wisconsin Football gets first commitment from class of 2025
Rayan Vatti
I’m confident that Wisconsin wins this game. This team is playing its best basketball right now. Sam Dekker has finally lived up to the hype, looking like the best player on the floor in the last two games, each of which featured a pair of All-Americans. If he continues plays well, Wisconsin’ offense will be unstoppable. And if their offense is unstoppable, I don’t think Arizona has enough fire power to keep up.
Wisconsin 73, Arizona 67