George Mason vs. Wisconsin Prediction and Odds: Back the Patriots to Keep it Close

UPDATE: This game has been cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols.

An interesting game between the George Mason Patriots and the Wisconsin Badgers is set for Thursday night college basketball action.

Wisconsin is 9-2 on the season, with its only losses coming against Providence and No. 21 Ohio State. The Badgers are 7-4 against the spread, and 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games.

George Mason is 7-5 on the season, but 8-4 against the spread. The Patriots have rattled off three straight wins, including an upset win over the Georgia Bulldogs.

This is the first ever meeting between these two programs. Let's take a look at the odds via WynnBET.

George Mason vs. Wisconsin Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• George Mason +11.5 (-110)
• Wisconsin -11.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• George Mason +450
• Wisconsin -620

Total:

• 130 (Over -110/Under -110)

George Mason vs. Wisconsin Betting Trends

• George Mason is 4-1 ATS in its last five games.
• The OVER is 5-2 in George Mason's last seven games.
• George Mason is 10-0 SU in its last 10 games played on Thursday.
• Wisconsin is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games.
• Wisconsin is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games vs. Atlantic 10 opponents.

George Mason vs. Wisconsin Prediction and Pick

Despite getting off to a strong start to their season, the Wisconsin Badgers shooting has been abysmal this season, and it's going to come back to haunt them at some point. They rank 289th in effective field goal percentage heading into tonight's game, while they face a George Mason team that ranks 38th.

I also expect the Patriots to find success from three point range. They rank 13th in the country in 3 point shot rate, and Wisconsin's defense, while strong, has been susceptible to the three ball. The Badgers rank 148th in opponent 3-point field goal percentage.

I think the Patriots can keep this game close, based on shooting alone.

Pick: George Mason +11.5