Montana vs Wisconsin March Madness Preview: Can the Grizzlies Pull Off First-Round Upset?
Montana takes on Wisconsin in a crucial NCAA Tournament First Round matchup on Thursday at 1:30 pm ET in Denver, Colorado. Both teams enter with strong recent form - Montana has won 14 of their last 15 games, while Wisconsin holds a 10-5 record in that span.
Three NFL players in red uniforms
Key Betting Information:
- Wisconsin is favored by 17.5 points
- Moneyline: Wisconsin -2100, Montana +1100
- Total: 152.5 points (under slightly favored at -115)
- Game will be broadcast on TBS
Montana Analysis:
- Strong 14-1 recent record with 11 wins by 5+ points
- Won Big Sky Conference tournament
- Struggles against top teams (30+ point losses to Oregon and Tennessee)
- Poor offensive rebounding (356th nationally at 7.2 per game)
- Failed to cover in 3 of last 4 games as underdog
Wisconsin Analysis:
- Capable of explosive scoring (55-point first half vs Arizona)
- Led by John Tonje (19.2 PPG) and John Blackwell (15.5 PPG)
- Nation's best free-throw shooting at 82.4%
- 15-10 record as favorite this season
- Covered in 11 of last 12 wins
- Weak offensive rebounding (272nd nationally)
Top Betting Picks:
- Over 152.5 points (-105) - Both teams can score in bunches
- Montana +17.5 points (-115) - Recent form suggests ability to keep it closer
Montana's improved recent play and Wisconsin's scoring ability point to a high-scoring affair where the Grizzlies can stay within the spread, despite the talent gap. The winner advances to face the BYU/VCU victor.