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Wisconsin (4-0) vs BYU (3-1)
- When: Nov 21 2025, 4:00 PM
- Where: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Where to watch: Peacock
(23) Wisconsin vs (9) BYU Preview & Prediction
Spread: BYU -5.5
Moneyline: BYU (-250)
Total: 161.5
Friday night brings a ranked showdown in Salt Lake City, and even though the rematch narrative is easy to sell, this isn’t the same script from last March. Both Wisconsin and BYU have reshaped rosters and very different identities heading into this early-season test.
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Breakdown
Wisconsin rolled into this matchup by flattening four buy-game opponents at home, winning by nearly 30 points a night. That cushy path ends here.
The Badgers have rebuilt their rotation with three new starters and several transfers, but the pieces are clicking faster than expected. Nick Boyd has stepped right in as a scoring engine, averaging 20 points per game, and Wooden Award watch-lister John Blackwell isn’t far behind at 19.5.
Up front, Nolan Winter has been quietly terrific, averaging 14.3 points and 9.3 boards, and Austin Rapp gives them a second versatile forward who can pass, score, and stretch defenses.
This is their first true test of the season, and Greg Gard knows it. Wisconsin can score from all spots but hasn’t faced real defensive pressure yet, making this a major jump in difficulty.
BYU Cougars Betting Breakdown
BYU didn’t warm up with light competition. They opened the season by beating Villanova in Vegas and just pushed UConn to the edge before falling 86-84 in Boston. This group is battle-tested.
Freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa has been everything advertised — 20.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and efficient shooting across the board. He’s a focal point, but Richie Saunders and Baylor transfer Robert Wright handle plenty of offensive responsibility, giving BYU multiple creators.
The concern for BYU: depth in the paint. Keba Keita is questionable after taking a hard hit vs UConn, and guard Kennard Davis Jr. might miss another game after an off-court incident. BYU can win without them, but it shortens their rotation in a matchup where physical play matters.
Still, the Cougars have played far tougher opponents and have already shown they can handle ranked competition.
Expert Final Score Prediction
BYU has been sharpened by stronger competition and should control tempo at home. Wisconsin’s offense is real, but this is a steep jump from the mid-majors they’ve crushed. Expect BYU’s shotmaking and depth of scorers to carry the night.
Final Score: BYU 86, Wisconsin 78
Lean: BYU -5.5
Total: Over 161.5
- NCAAB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
