Ohio State Buckeyes (13-10) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (16-7)
February 13, 2024 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Wisconsin Badgers -8.5; Over/Under: 142.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers meet Tuesday in college basketball action from Kohl Center. Ohio State took out Maryland over the weekend, moving the Buckeyes to 14-10 this year. As for Wisconsin, they’re sitting at 16-8 after a loss to Rutgers in their last outing. Let’s get into our Ohio State vs. Wisconsin prediction. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes got off to a great start at 12-2 this year, taking losses to only Texas A&M and Penn State. Ohio State is just 2-8 since then though, losing to Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Northwestern, Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. The wins otherwise were over Penn State and Maryland.
Ohio State managed a victory over the Terrapins on Saturday, but it didn’t come easily. The Buckeyes scored 33 points in the first half, 28 in the second and 18 across two overtimes for a tight win 79-75. Bruce Thornton was the top team scorer on 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Wisconsin Badgers
Over on the Wisconsin side, they only lost four of their first 20 outings this year. Those defeats came courtesy of Tennessee, Providence, Arizona and Penn State. The Badgers have hit the skids since then, losing to Nebraska, Purdue, Michigan and Rutgers over the last four.
Back on Saturday versus Rutgers, the Badgers were in trouble after the first half with a 37-28 deficit. Wisconsin was outscored 41-28 from there and took the loss 78-56 in embarrassing fashion. Connor Essegian led the team with 15 points and two rebounds off the bench in the defeat.
ANDREW’S FREE OHIO STATE VS WISCONSIN PREDICTION
I’ll stick with Wisconsin. The Badgers have had some real issues over their last four games, but getting back home should help their cause. Wisconsin shot horribly in their latest loss to Rutgers: 32.8 percent from the field, 23.8 percent (5-of-21) from 3-point range and 59.1 precent (13-of-22) from the line. The offense really needs a kick, as the Badgers haven’t hit 70 points in three straight games.
The last time these teams saw each other back on January 10, Wisconsin secured a 71-60 road victory. The Badgers shot well in that one (47.4 percent) and had just five turnovers. A little early consistency should go a long way here, and I like Wisconsin to return to form with a cover.
