Looking to get back to the Dance after a rare miss last March (just the second time being bypassed since 1999), Greg Gard’s plan at Wiscy is to run it back with most of the same cast of characters. Which might not be a bad idea as the Badgers have as much continuity on their roster (92% of the scoring from last season returns) as any team. Indeed, for G Chucky Hepburn (12 ppg LY(), F Tyler Wahl (11 ppg LY), and C Steven Crowl (12 ppg LY), it’s their third year starting together. And while one win over Arkansas State doesn’t suggest last year’s shooting inconsistencies have completely abated, hitting 65% from the floor in the opener is a nice start.

I played this on the money line, not because I'm worried about Tennesse covering but more the number say there is value buying winning by one or two for just 25 more cents. I love Tennesse in this game. I think it is a major coaching edge for the Volunteers with Rick Barnes over Greg Gard. The Badgers have been good just not great under Gard with an average ranking of around 30th the past four years. Tennessee has been top 10 the last two years and has an even better team this year. My model has the Vols by 5.5.points.