This game has been flipped on its head as the contending Northwestern Wildcats head to Columbus to face the Ohio State Buckeyes, who have fallen on hard times. Ohio State was once a basketball powerhouse but is now in danger of falling to last place in the Big Ten. Will the Buckeyes rally at home, or will the Wildcats continue their push into March Madness? The betting prediction for this game is given below.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes: Betting Odds
| TEAMS | LINES | OVER/UNDER | MONEY LINE |
| Northwestern | +5.5 (-110) | Over 137 (-110) | +185 |
| Ohio State | -5.5 (-110) | Under 137 (-110) | -225 |
Northwestern Guard Boo Buie won’t threaten the opposition from deep, with 29% shooting from beyond the arc, but that is one of the few aspects of his game that is not up to par. Buie leads the Wildcats in scoring and assists while shooting 39% from the floor and 90% from the free-throw line.
Northwestern Center Matthew Nicholson is raw offensively, averaging just six points per contest, but the Wildcats’ big man contributes in other ways, leading the team in rebounds and blocked shots while shooting 56% from the floor.
Northwestern Guard Chase Audige contributes in several categories for the Wildcats. Audige averages 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists while leading the team in steals. Audige shoots it well at 39% from the floor, 34% from deep, and 85% from the stripe.
Ohio State Forward Brice Sensabaugh leads the Buckeyes in scoring, with 17 points per game, and contributes in many ways. Sensabaugh shoots it well from anywhere on the court, 50% from the floor, 47% from behind the arc, and 80% from the free-throw line.
Buckeyes Forward Zed Key is an imposing presence on the interior of Ohio State. Key averages 12 points per game while leading the team in rebounds and shooting a robust 56% from the floor.
Buckeyes Guard Bruce Thornton averages nine points, three rebounds, and three assists per night while shooting 43% from the floor and 40% from deep.
Ohio State Guard Isaac Likekele does all the dirty work for the team. Likekele averages four points and five rebounds per night while leading the Buckeyes in assists.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes: Match Details
Fixture: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
Date & Time: Thursday, February 9, 8:00 pm ET
Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes: Prediction
Northwestern isn’t a flashy program, but sound on offense and defense. Ohio State could pull off the victory at home, but it’s a coin-flip. With their recent success bolstering the positivity around the program, take Northwestern and take the points.
