Ohio State vs Northwestern Prediction 2/20/25 College Basketball Picks Today
Northwestern (13-13) vs. Ohio State (15-11)
February 20, 2025 6:30 pm EDT
The Line: Ohio State -10.5; Over/Under: 143
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate an Ohio State vs Northwestern prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, February 20th at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes are 15-11 (7-8) this year after they lost to Michigan by a score of 86-83 in their last game. Ohio State trailed 44-39 at halftime, but they scored 44 points in the second half, before missing a wide-open shot that would have tied the game. The Buckeyes shot 45.9% from the field, 36% on three-pointers, and 66.7% on free throws in the game. Devin Royal led Ohio State with 26 points and five rebounds, while Bruce Thornton added 17 points and six assists in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Buckeyes defeated Washington by a score of 93-69 but did lose to Nebraska by a score of 79-71 before that. Ohio State has alternated wins and losses over their last six games and they are currently a half-game below .500 in the Big Ten standings. Ohio State has scored 80.0 points per game and they have allowed 72.1 points per game, while also averaging 34.7 rebounds and 13.3 assists per game this season. Bruce Thornton is averaging 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while Devin Royal is averaging 14.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game this year. Ohio State is shooting 47.6% from the field, 73.9% on free throws, and 38.3% on three-pointers this season. Ohio State will meet UCLA and USC after this game.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats are 13-13 (4-11) this season after they lost to Nebraska by a score of 68-64 in their last game. Northwestern led 36-21 at halftime, but they were outscored 47-28 in the second half for the loss. The Wildcats shot 36.1% from the field, 35% on three-pointers, and 62.5% on free throws in the game. Nick Martinelli led Northwestern with 23 points and nine rebounds, while Ty Berry added 23 points and two rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Wildcats lost to Oregon by a score of 81-75 and Washington by a score of 76-71. Northwestern has lost six of their last seven games and they are currently second to last in the Big Ten standings with a 4-11 record. Northwestern has scored 73.5 points per game and they have allowed 70.5 points per game, while also averaging 34.2 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game this season. Nick Martinelli is averaging 19.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while Ty Berry is averaging 10.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game this year. Northwestern is shooting 44.1% from the field, 72.8% on free throws, and 33.8% on three-pointers this season.
Why Ohio State will beat Northwestern
- Northwestern has lost each of its last eight road games against the Big Ten Conference.
- Ohio State has won seven of its last eight night games at Value City Arena at Schottenstein Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Ohio State has won the first half in each of its last 11 home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Ohio State’s last nine games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 143+ points.
- Each of Northwestern’s last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 147+ points.
Ohio State vs Northwestern Prediction
Northwestern comes into this matchup after losing six of their last seven games and they will be back on the road here. The Wildcats are dealing with injuries to some key players and they are just 0-7 in their last seven road games. Northwestern has struggled defensively over the last few weeks, as they have allowed at least 75 points in 10 of their last 13 games. Ohio State has had trouble stringing wins together over the last few weeks, but they cannot afford a loss in this matchup. The Buckeyes are shooting 47.6% from the field this year and they have also had some defensive issues recently, but I like them in this spot. I don’t think Northwestern can score consistently enough with the injuries they are dealing with, so give me the Buckeyes at home.
