Wisconsin Badgers vs Penn State Nittany Lions Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Thursday January 22 2026
Wisconsin vs Penn State picks are always worth a close look when this matchup shifts to State College, and this spot is no different. Penn State may be buried in the Big Ten standings, but history and situation suggest this is a dangerous trip for Wisconsin and a live underdog opportunity for anyone hunting value in college basketball picks.
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TLDR: Quick Picks and Prediction
- Spread: Penn State +5.5
- Total: Under 159.5
- Projected Final Score: Wisconsin 77, Penn State 74
Odds and Line Movement
Current Odds
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Joe Duffy | +1,910.00 |
| 2 |  Steve Seagrave | +1,460.00 |
| 3 |  Sean Higgs | +1,338.00 |
| 4 |  Bryan Power | +905.00 |
| 5 |  Ben Burns | +519.00 |
| Team | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | -5.5 (-110) | Over 159.5 (-110) |
| Penn State | +5.5 (-110) | Under 159.5 (-110) |
Line Movement - Spread
| Date | Time | Wisconsin | Penn State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/21 | 02:35 PM | -5.5 (-110) | +5.5 (-110) |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Time | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/21 | 02:35 PM | 159.5 (-110) | 159.5 (-110) |
| 01/22 | 02:04 AM | 159.5 (-110) | 159.5 (-110) |
| 01/22 | 04:34 AM | 159.5 (-115) | 159.5 (-105) |
| 01/22 | 08:39 AM | 159.5 (-110) | 159.5 (-110) |
| 01/22 | 08:46 AM | 158.5 (-115) | 158.5 (-105) |
Key Matchups and Game Preview
Penn State basketball has gone through several coaching regimes over the years, but one thing has stayed consistent: the Bryce Jordan Center has been the site of some surprising upsets. The Nittany Lions are 0-7 in conference play, yet they have beaten Wisconsin in each of the last two seasons, including an outright home upset as a six-point underdog in 2024.
Wisconsin comes in playing solid basketball, having won six of its last seven games. Still, this is a tricky scheduling spot. From January 14 through February 6, this is Wisconsin’s only road game, and the Badgers have not been dominant away from the Kohl Center. They are 3-4 straight up on the road this season, and two of those three wins came by just three points.
Defensively, Wisconsin showed some cracks in its most recent outing, allowing 87 points to Rutgers. That is the most the Scarlet Knights have scored in a regulation game all season. Penn State’s offensive numbers have been ugly, but some of that is tied to poor shooting luck rather than pure inability.
Through seven conference games, Penn State’s opponents have shot 41.7 percent from three-point range, while the Nittany Lions themselves are hitting just 29.0 percent from deep. That is a massive gap that is unlikely to hold over the long run. The Bryce Jordan Center is not an easy shooting environment, and any normalization at the three-point line makes Penn State much more competitive in this spot.
Betting Trends for WIS and PSU
- Penn State has beaten Wisconsin in each of the last two seasons.
- Wisconsin is 3-4 straight up in road games this season.
- Penn State conference opponents are shooting 41.7 percent from three.
- Penn State is shooting just 29.0 percent from three in conference play.
Key Injuries and Things To Know for WIS and PSU
- No key injuries were noted for either team in the provided information.
Side and Over Under Picks
- Side: Penn State +5.5
- Total: Under 159.5
Final Score Prediction
Wisconsin 77, Penn State 74
How to Wager On Wisconsin vs Penn State
This matchup offers bettors a classic situational angle with a home underdog that has delivered in this building before. If you are shopping lines or looking for added value, checking current sportsbook promos and comparing prices across the best betting sites can make a difference.
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