Vanderbilt vs. Wisconsin: Game Time, TV Schedule, Spread Info and Predictions

The NCAA Tournament continues for the Vanderbilt Commodores and Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday, when they square off in the Round of 32 in the Eastern Region. 

Vanderbilt is the SEC Tournament champion, the No. 5 seed in the region, and won their tournament opener 79-70 over Harvard. Wisconsin was a Big Ten tournament semifinalist, the No. 4 seed in the region, and had an easy 73-49 win over Montana in the opener on Thursday. 

The winner will advance to the tournament's second weekend in Boston. 

Where: The Pit, Albuquerque, New Mexico

When: Saturday, March 17 at 6:10 p.m. EDT

Watch: TNT

Listen: 

Vanderbilt: WRQQ-FM - 97.1 in Nashville. Full list of affiliates available at VCUCommodores.com.

Wisconsin: WIBA-AM - 1310 AM, WIBA-FM - 101.5 FM in Madison. Full list of affiliates available at UWBadgers.com. 

Betting Line

Vanderbilt (-1), according to Betonline.com.

Obviously, you're just picking a straight winner in this one. Vanderbilt is incredibly hot right now, and playing confidently. That will make the difference in what will be a good clash. Go with the Commodores in this one. 

Key Injuries (Per USA Today)

Vanderbilt

F Shelby Moats is day-to-day with an illness.

Wisconsin

The Badgers have no injuries to report.

What's at Stake?

There's nothing all that in-depth about this when the NCAA Tournament starts. If you win, you advance. If you don't, your season is over. Bad losses do not exist at this point, nor do good wins, as impressing the pollsters is irrelevant. 

Particularly given Syracuse's struggles in the Round of 64 and the loss of Fab Melo, the East Region looks to be wide open. The winner of this game is on a potentially nice track to claim the region, earning a trip to the Final Four.

What They're Saying

Yannis Koutroupis of Hoops World talked about how each team will win this game. 

Vanderbilt:

"

The Commodores turned it over 16 times (against Harvard), something that cannot happen against Wisconsin. They’re too good defensively as it is to turn it over excessively against.

Getting to the free throw line 30 times was important for Vanderbilt, they need to try to repeat that against the Badgers and make sure to limit the quality looks for Jordan Taylor and Ryan Evans.

"

Wisconsin:

"

Vanderbilt’s starting five is littered with NBA talent that will not be caught off guard by the Badgers’ defensive pressure. They recently defeated Kentucky, a team who defends just as well as the Badgers do. Having four players score in double figures again is a must in order for the Badgers to keep pace with Vanderbilt.

"

Most Important Player to Watch

Wisconsin F Ryan Evans needs a double-double in this one in points and rebounds. Vanderbilt is a good scoring team and strong up front. If he can't assert himself in there, the Commodores will win this one pretty convincingly. 

Key Matchup

John Jenkins (Vanderbilt) vs. Jordan Taylor (Wisconsin)

These two are both guards and will be seeing a lot of each other. They're also their team's leading scorers, but that's not the important match here. The one that controls his offense better and doesn't turn it over will lead his team to a win. 

Prediction: Vanderbilt 71, Wisconsin 66

This will be a well played game that will come down to the final minutes. Ultimately, Vanderbilt has too much power and is too good defensively. They will make the shots down the stretch, winning a close game. 

Follow @mdixon1985