Two top-15 teams battle it out in a Big Ten rivalry. Ohio State enters this game at 11-4 (8-6-1 ATS) coming off a deflating loss to Purdue at home. Wisconsin on the other hand enters this contest with a record of 12-3 (8-7 ATS).
- Date/Time: January 23, 4:00 p.m. ET
- Arena: Kohl Center
- TV Coverage: CBS
- Sportsbook Odds: Wisconsin -4 | O/U 133 (Line History)
- Ohio State vs Wisconsin (Matchup Report)
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
Wisconsin enters this contest as a 3.5 point favorite. After an embarrassing loss at Michigan, this team has looked to have turned a corner winning and covering two in a row quite easily. The total is locked in at a very modest 133 mainly as a result of two very impressive defensive-styled teams.
Ohio State Buckeyes News & Notes
The Buckeyes enter this contest with a pretty rock-solid record this season at 11-4 in a very tough conference. The Buckeyes are looking to rebound against a rough Purdue loss at home. They have put together a solid January winning the previous three games despite being underdogs in two of them.
The Buckeyes are building what seems like a much more offensive focus this season averaging 76.73 points per game which is good for 80th in the country. On the road, they rank even higher offensively coming in at No. 69. Potentially missing its fourth-best scorer and senior point guard CJ Walker, Ohio State will turn to junior guard Duane Washington averaging a team-best 15.7 points per game.
Wisconsin Badgers News & Notes
After getting embarrassed at Michigan earlier this month, it looks as though Wisconsin has really flipped the switch on their season. They enter this contest at a very impressive 12-3 coming after a statement double-digit victory against Northwestern.
The Badgers rank 19th in the country in defensive points per game and have held their opponents to 52 and 54 respectively in their last two contests. Wisconsin is led by five seniors. Yes, its starting lineup has thousands of miles together and the comradery is showing as of late.
D’Mitrik Trice, despite being the smallest player on the roster, is the clear leader on this roster leading the team in points per game. He is also the only player to log over 30 minutes per contest.
Betting Pick: Wisconsin -3.5
Look for Wisconsin to win four out of its last five vs. Ohio State in convincing fashion. The Badgers rank top-20 in defensive points per game and with Ohio State missing some key players in the lineup, we have a slight edge taking the better defensive team at home with the points Saturday night.
- The UNDER is 4-1 in Wisconsin's last five games.
- Wisconsin is 17-3 in its last 20 games.
- Ohio State is 5-14 in its last 19 January games.
