Montana Seeks Major March Madness Upset vs Wisconsin in NCAA Tournament First Round
Montana faces Wisconsin in a critical NCAA Tournament First Round matchup with tipoff scheduled for 1:30 pm ET on Thursday in Denver. Montana enters on a hot streak, going 14-1 in their last 15 games, while Wisconsin holds a solid 10-5 record in that span.
Three NFL players in red uniforms
Key Betting Info:
- Wisconsin is favored by 17.5 points
- Moneyline: Wisconsin -2100, Montana +1100
- Total: 152.5 (Under -115)
- Montana: 19-12-3 ATS, 13-5-3 ATS in conference
- Wisconsin: 22-13 ATS, 16-8 ATS in Big 10
Montana Analysis:
- Won 11 of last 14 games by 5+ points
- Strong offensive showing lately (91 points vs Northern Colorado)
- Concerning early season losses to Oregon and Tennessee by 30+
- Haven't won NCAA Tournament game since 2013
- Struggles on offensive boards (356th nationally at 7.2 per game)
Wisconsin Analysis:
- Led by guards John Tonje (19.2 PPG) and John Blackwell (15.5 PPG)
- Nation's best free throw shooting (82.4%)
- 15-10 as favorites this season
- Covered in 11 of last 12 wins
- Weak offensive rebounding (272nd nationally)
Predictions:
- Over 152.5 (-105): Montana's scoring ability combined with Wisconsin's offensive firepower suggests a high-scoring affair
- Montana +17.5 (-115): Despite earlier blowout losses, Montana's current form suggests they can keep it closer than the spread indicates
The game will be broadcast on TBS with the winner advancing to face the BYU/VCU victor.