Wisconsin vs. Oregon prediction and odds for NIT quarterfinal

Wisconsin travels to Oregon to play for a spot in the NIT semifinals in Las Vegas, Nevada next week.

The Ducks have responded well despite not having several key contributors like Will Richardson or N’Faly Dane in the NIT, by winning their first two games by double digits. Now they welcome a Wisconsin squad that just missed out on the NCAA Tournament, but took care of business on its home floor by beating Bradley and Liberty.

Who will advance to the semis between two high major clubs? Here are the odds for Tuesday’s matchup:

Wisconsin vs. Oregon odds, spread and total

Wisconsin vs. Oregon prediction and pick

Wisconsin’s goal is to slow each game down to a crawl, the team plays at the 21st slowest pace in the country according to KenPom, and while Oregon is 205th in overall tempo, I don’t think the Badgers have the interior defense to slow down the length of the Ducks.

Oregon, even without the likes of big man Dante or its lead ball handler Richardson, has the length to punish teams inside, 65th in the nation in two-point offense and 20th in two-point defense. Wisconsin lacks size inside, 251st in two-point field goal percentage allowed as they struggle to stunt penetration.

On offense, Badgers’ possessions typically end with a post up or a 3-point shot, two places where Oregon is elite at defending. The Ducks are 25th in defending the rim this season and have the length to funnel teams inside the arc. Wisconsin lacks the necessary ball handling to get clean looks at the hoop.

Ultimately, on the road, I don’t see Wisconsin keeping up with an Oregon team that looks rejuvenated in the NIT despite losing some big names. I’ll lay it with the home favorite.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.