BIG TEN CONFERENCE MATCHUP
WISCONSIN BADGERS VS OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (-5.5)
This Big Ten conference matchup is scheduled to tip off at 7PM EST on ESPN. Ohio State (15-4) is looking to extend their four game win streak at home, while Wisconsin (14-6) start their two game road trip off right.
This is the first matchup between these conference rivals this season. Ohio State has only one loss at home this season, against the #2 ranked Kansas JayHawks. Its difficult to think that Wisconsin will be able to accomplish that.
Ohio State is one of the most well rounded teams in the country. They were ranked #4 in the country to start the season for a reason. Entering this game they are 61st in the country, averaging 73 points per game on offense. While their defense is even better, 16th in the nation allowing 57.8 points per game. The Badgers can match up to Ohio State defensively, but their offense has been atrocious this year. They are scoring only 67.8 points per game (172nd overall).
When comparing these teams, it seems the Badgers only have a chance to compete in this game if they create a defensive battle. Something I don’t think they will accomplish, given that Ohio State has home crowd and court advantage.
Keep your eye on Junior forward Deshaun Thomas. He is first in the Big Ten averaging over 20 points per game and has had some of his best performances playing strong defenses. He should have no problem finding his way to the basket and the line several times tonight.
TRENDS
WISCONSIN
- 3-10 against the spread when playing a team with a winning record this season
- 2-7 against the spread versus good defensive teams allowing 64 points per game or less
- 2-5 against the spread versus conference opponents this season
- 0-3 against the spread in their last 3 games
OHIO STATE
- 9-6 against the spread as a favourite this season
- 24-17 against the spread in all home games the last 3 seasons
- 50-3 straight up in home games the past 3 seasons
FINAL SCORE – BADGERS 53 – BUCKEYES 63