Published Mar 18, 5:47pm ET by
Keith McCarthy - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 18, 5:47pm ET
Updated Mar 18, 5:48pm ET
High Point and Wisconsin meet in the First Round in a classic 12-5 matchup. Both teams are red-hot and stronger than their seed line indicates. The Panthers face an uphill battle to earn the upset win.
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| Wisconsin Badgers | -380 |
| High Point Panthers | +500 |
High Point makes their return to the NCAA Tournament after another dominant season in the Big South. The 30-4 Panthers are a popular upset pick after coasting through the regular season, but face a challenge against 5-seed Wisconsin. Leading-scorer Terry Anderson will be tasked with aiding the High Point offense as they fight to keep up with Wisconsin's offensive onslaught. They'll need the 3-ball to be falling to have a shot.
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Wisconsin was projected between a 9-seed and a bubble team just a month ago, before they surged into a 5-seed down the stretch. Wins over Purdue, Michigan State, and Illinois twice in that span added to their road win over Michigan from earlier in the season to create a phenomenal resume. The Badgers bowed out in a rematch with Michigan in the Big Ten semifinals, but have proven they have what it takes to beat top teams.
Although a popular upset pick, High Point faces a truly challenging matchup against Wisconsin. This may not be the typical 12-5 matchup since the Badgers are playing like a 2 or 3-seed lately. If they struggle to get going offensively, an upset is not out of the realm of possibility. That being said, the most likely case is that Wisconsin pulls away from High Point early and never looks back. I see them winning this one by about 15.
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Pick
Wisconsin Badgers (-500)
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