Wisconsin Badgers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Prediction 01/03/20

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It will be a showdown between two tremendous defenses when the fifth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2, 1-1 Big 10) go head-to-head against the Wisconsin Badgers (8-5, 1-1 Big 10) at Value City Arena. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 3, 2020.

Wisconsin Badgers at Ohio State Buckeyes ATS Odds

In their last contest, the Buckeyes were beaten by the 22nd-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers, 67-59, while the Badgers easily got past the Rider Broncs, 65-37.

Wisconsin launched 31 three pointers, making 13 of them (41.9 percent), while Rider was just 2-14 (14.3 percent). Ohio State, on the other hand, did a great job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (21-29; 72.4 percent). Ohio State’s Kaleb Wesson had a good outing, finishing with 17 points and nine rebounds. Nate Reuvers, meanwhile was a key piece for Wisconsin with 15 points and six rebounds.

The Badgers won the only game between these two teams last year, 73-67. Wisconsin’s 0.185 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Ohio State, who had a mark of 0.121. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.

Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NCAA’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 at Ohio State Free Pick

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

Betting Notes:

  • Ohio State ranks 29th in rebounds per game (40.2) while Wisconsin ranks 201st (34.4).
  • The Buckeyes are 21st in the nation with 2.4 blocks allowed per game while the Badgers are 47th with 2.8 blocks allowed per game.
  • Ohio State allows the 15th-fewest assists per game (9.4) while Wisconsin ranks 38th (10.5).
  • The Badgers rank 20th in three pointers allowed per game (17.6) while the Buckeyes rank 128th (22.0).
  • Ohio State allows the 11th-fewest steals per game (4.7) while Wisconsin ranks 39th (5.5).

Bettings Trends:

  • 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).