Ohio State Buckeyes at Northwestern Wildcats ATS Prediction 03/06/19

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Expect a defensive struggle when the Ohio State Buckeyes (18-11, 8-10 Big 10) challenge the Northwestern Wildcats (12-17, 3-15 Big 10) at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Northwestern Wildcats ATS Odds

Both teams lost in their last contest. The Wildcats lost to the Illinois Fighting Illini, 81-76, while the Buckeyes were blown out by the 14th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers, 86-51.

Ohio State had a free throw rate of 0.354 (above their season average of 0.257) while Northwestern had a turnover percentage of 9.7 (better than their season average of 14.8). Northwestern was led by Dererk Pardon, who put up 16 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Jaedon LeDee played well for Ohio State, recording 16 points.

In their first matchup this year, Kaleb Wesson led the Buckeyes to a 63-49 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points. Ohio State had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.360). Northwestern, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.8 vs. 16.7).

Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams square off. Northwestern currently ranks 284th in possessions per game (67.0) and Ohio State is 303rd (66.4). Additionally, the Buckeyes rank 51st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.477), while the Wildcats rank 329th in effective field goal percentage (0.467).

Ohio State Buckeyes at Northwestern Wildcats Odds Pick

College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Ohio State ranks 37th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Northwestern ranks 142nd (13.1).
  • The Wildcats average 4.1 blocks per game, which ranks 51st in the nation. The Buckeyes rank 62nd in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
  • The Wildcats rank fifth in three pointers allowed per game (17.3) while the Buckeyes rank 75th (20.6).
  • Ohio State ranks 196th in rebounds per game (34.4) while Northwestern ranks 225th (33.7).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 62.0 points per game (8.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
  • The Wildcats have been outscored by an average of 9.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Northwestern has defeated opponents by an average of 0.9 points.