Wisconsin Basketball vs. Baylor: Game preview, TV schedule, prediction

Final review and prediction

In the end, I think this game will come down the guard play of the Wisconsin Badgers. In their losing effort against Xavier, D’Mitrik Trice struggled from the floor to shoot just 4-for-14. If the Badgers are to win this game, he will need to step up on both ends of the floor. The previously mentioned Davison is a great reserve behind Trice, but Trice’s experience as a sophomore will need to show through in this neutral site affair.

Even with the expected solid defensive effort from Baylor’s Lual-Acuil, Ethan Happ will get his consistent buckets in this game. Yet, in a close game in crunch time, he is not the guy who can go get Wisconsin his own shot along the perimeter. Unless coach Greg Gard changes things up in his closing lineup, this responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Trice for Wisconsin.

For Baylor, that go-to guy will certainly be Lecomte and he has the experience in this position that Trice does not have at this point in his career. If Trice finishes the game strong and is able to knock down a few shots and find ways to get to the free throw line, then Wisconsin can come away with this victory. If not, Lecomte will look to make his imprint on the game in a way similar to how Trevon Bluiett took over the last two minutes of Xavier’s win over Wisconsin.

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This is going to be an extremely competitive game for all 40 minutes and it would not be all that surprising if it came down to the last possession. In the end, I think that Baylor’s experience in the backcourt will allow them to come away with the win, but the Badgers will be right there at the end of the game. The winner of this one will face the victor of UCLA-Creighton on Nov. 21.

Final prediction: Baylor 75, Wisconsin 72