The Ohio State Buckeyes (15-7, 5-6 Big 10) and the Wisconsin Badgers (13-10, 6-6 Big 10), who both like to play patient, will go head-to-head at Kohl Center. The game begins at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 9, 2020.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Wisconsin Badgers Betting Prediction
The last time the Buckeyes played, they beat the Michigan Wolverines, 61-58. Ohio State’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Michigan. The Buckeyes had a rate of 11.5 (better than their season average of 17.6), while the Wolverines posted a mark of 15.8. Ohio State received a boost from Kaleb Wesson, who was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points on 9-for-14 shooting.
The Badgers got blown out by the Minnesota Golden Gophers in their last matchup, 70-52. Minnesota’s 0.180 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Wisconsin, who had a mark of 0.104. The Golden Gophers’ mark was below their season average of 0.208, while the Badgers’ was below their season average of 0.206. With 11 points and 15 rebounds, Micah Potter had a solid game for Wisconsin.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, the Buckeyes lost 61-57. Wesson led both teams with 22 points and also added 13 rebounds. The Badgers’ 13.7 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Buckeyes, who had a rate of 20.4.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Wisconsin ranks 343rd in possessions per game (63.9) and Ohio State is 313th (66.2).
Ohio State at Wisconsin Free Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Wisconsin ranks 37th in three pointers allowed per game (18.8) while Ohio State ranks 113th (21.2).
The Buckeyes rank 49th in rebounds allowed per game (32.3) while the Badgers rank 113th (34.3).
Ohio State is 19th in the NCAA with 10.1 assists allowed per game while Wisconsin is 59th with 11.2 assists allowed per game.
The Buckeyes are ninth in the NCAA with 4.6 steals allowed per game while the Badgers are 23rd with 5.0 steals allowed per game.
The Buckeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.4, down from 11.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Badgers have scored an average of 62.2 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (5.9 above their season average).
