Maryland Terrapins vs Wisconsin Badgers: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

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How to Watch

Where: Kohl Center, Madison, WI

When: Friday, February 1st at 9:00 PM EST

How (TV): Fox Sports 1

Maryland (Away)

Head Coach: Mark Turgeon {Overall: 17-5 .773 W/L% | Conference: 8-3, 4th in Big Ten}

The Terrapins recently broke their two-game losing streak with a win over Northwestern. While Northwestern put up a good fight, the difference in quality was apparent by the 70-52 final score.

Ranked 22nd overall, the Maryland Terrapins are still trying to forge an identity on the defensive end. They have a solid record overall but have let go of their focus in certain matches – most notably a loss to Illinois in Madison Square Garden.

Maryland has a solid offensive scheme but they will be going against one of the country’s top defences in the Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin holds opponents to an impressive 41% from two-point range, good enough for top in the Conference. If Maryland can’t score inside, they’ll be hard-pressed to pull off this win.

Wisconsin (Home)

Head Coach: Greg Gard {Overall: 15-6 .714 W/L%| Conference: 7-3, 5th Big Ten}

Wisconsin is entering the most difficult stretch of their campaign. Three of the next four matches will be against Top 25 opponents. While pulling off a 4-0 is not impossible for the Badgers, they need at least a 2-2 to stay in the running for the big tournament.

It needs to be noted that Ethan Happ has been absolutely incredible for the Badgers this season. He now has recorded two triple-doubles on the season and is tenth in the nation in assist rate. For a forward/centre, that is almost unheard of.

When Wisconsin takes on Maryland they are facing off against a team that has already beaten them this season. While Maryland were at home in that match, Wisconsin’s offence let them down. At home, the Badgers should be able to put on a better fight.

Maryland Roster Notes

Maryland has no injuries to note.

Wisconsin Roster Notes

G Trevor Anderson – 2 Dec 2018 – (Knee) is out for the season.

Head-to-Head: Bruno Fernando vs Ethan Happ

Bruno Fernando

Forward | 6-10, 240lb (208cm, 108kg) | IMG Academy | Luanda, Angola | Sophomore

14.9 PPG | 2.0 APG | 10.3 RPG | 0.7 SPG | 2.0 BPG | 2.7 TOV | .665 FG% | .250 3P%

Ethan Happ

Forward | 6-8, 200lb (203cm, 90kg) | Rockridge HS | Milan, IL | Senior

18.5 PPG | 5.1 APG | 10.3 RPG | 0.9 SPG | 1.2 BPG | 2.9 TOV | .561 FG% | .000 3P%

It is a battle of power versus finesse when Maryland and Wisconsin meet. Bruno Fernando is an incredibly impressive and powerful post-player with the athletic potential for the next level. Ethan Happ may be more earth bound, but his awareness and skill on the court make up for his lack of physical presence. Both young forwards provide unique skills that will shine when they face off against each other.

Bruno Fernando seems to be a man amongst boys in the Big Ten. His size and strength are reminiscent of a young Dwight Howard. Fernando can get up to challenge shots, but also has the ability to recover on close-outs. Wisconsin doesn’t have a player that can match Fernando physically, so in one-on-ones and drop-offs he should dominate.

Ethan Happ may be one of the most complete basketball players in the country. The senior out of Illinois is a focal point for the Wisconsin Badgers. Not only is he able to score very well on the inside, but his rebounding instincts are top notch. Most notably, Happ’s passing is paramount to the Badgers’ success. His ability to operate out of the high-post and attack or make the correct pass as allowed the Badgers to break many disciplined zone defences.

Maryland at Wisconsin Predictions and Odds

The odds makers have the Wisconsin Badgers favoured over the Maryland Terrapins by 5, with an over/under of 110.