The Wisconsin Badgers (8-5, 1-1 Big 10) and the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2, 1-1 Big 10), who both like to play slow, will battle at Value City Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 3, 2020.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Prediction
The Badgers will be hoping for similar success after blowing out the Rider Broncs in their last contest, 65-37. Wisconsin made 13 of their 31 three pointers (41.9 percent). Rider, on the other hand, forced the Badgers into a turnover percentage of 19.4 (above their season average of 15.2). With 15 points on 6-for-11 shooting, Nate Reuvers was the top scorer from either team.
In the Buckeyes’ last game, they lost to the No. 22 West Virginia Mountaineers, 67-59. West Virginia’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Ohio State. The Mountaineers posted a mark of 20.7 (weaker than their season average of 16.5), while the Buckeyes had a rate of 26.6 (above their season average of 16.9). Ohio State’s Kaleb Wesson put together a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 17 points on 3-for-11 shooting.
After the Badgers won the lone contest against the Buckeyes last season, 73-67, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Badgers had a better free throw rate (0.185 vs. 0.121) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (23.3 vs. 17.8).
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the country’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Ohio State currently ranks 294th in possessions per game (67.3) and Wisconsin is 343rd (64.7).
Wisconsin vs. Ohio State ATS Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Ohio State ranks 29th in rebounds per game (40.2) while Wisconsin ranks 201st (34.4).
The Badgers rank 20th in three pointers allowed per game (17.6) while the Buckeyes rank 128th (22.0).
Ohio State is 11th in the nation with 4.7 steals allowed per game while Wisconsin is 39th with 5.5 steals allowed per game.
The Buckeyes allow the 21st-fewest blocks per game (2.4) while the Badgers rank 47th (2.8).
Ohio State is 15th in the NCAA with 9.4 assists allowed per game while Wisconsin is 38th with 10.5 assists allowed per game.
The Badgers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.0, up from 8.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 77.4 points per game (0.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.6 points per game (9.4 above their season average).
