The Northwestern Wildcats (13-13) travel to face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes (15-11) on Thursday, February 20th. This game will be played at Value City Arena in Columbus and televised on FS1. Both Northwestern and Ohio State will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 ET.

Northwestern Wildcats vs Ohio State Buckeyes

The Wildcats Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Northwestern Wildcats Recent Game/Games

Northwestern’s season record fell to 13-13 after a 68-64 loss to Nebraska on Sunday. The Wildcats were +1.5 point underdogs going into the game and didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 132, which was under the O/U line of 141.5.

Northwestern appeared to be in control early, leading 36-21 at halftime. However, they allowed 47 points in the 2nd half while scoring only 28, leading to the loss.

The Buckeyes Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Ohio State fell to 15-11 on the season after an 86-83 home loss to Michigan on Sunday. The Buckeyes were -1.5 favorites going into the game but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 169, surpassing the O/U line of 152.5.

Ohio State trailed 44-39 at halftime but scored 44 points in the 2nd half while allowing 42. Despite the strong offensive output, they couldn’t close the gap on the Wolverines.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Northwestern’s offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 36.1% from the field and 35% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.7%, and they hit only 5 of 8 free throws (62.5%).

Nick Martinelli and Ty Berry each scored 23 points, with Berry hitting 6 threes at a 40% clip. Martinelli added 9 rebounds, while Brice Williams contributed 21 points and 4 assists. The Wildcats grabbed 23 offensive rebounds and dished out 14 assists as a team.

Buckeyes Offense Breakdown

Ohio State put up 83 points in their latest game, shooting 45.9% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 52.5%. They hit 36% from beyond the arc, connecting on 9 of 25 attempts, and shot 52.8% on two-pointers, going 19 for 36. At the free-throw line, the Buckeyes made 18 of 27, good for 66.7%.

Devin Royal led the way with 26 points, hitting 3 of 5 from deep and shooting 62.5% overall. Vladislav Goldin added 20 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 64.3% from the field. Bruce Thornton contributed 17 points and 6 assists, while Danny Wolf also scored 17, pulling down 11 boards and dishing out 5 assists.

Wildcats Team Defense

Northwestern’s defense held strong, allowing just 68 points on 36% shooting from the field. They limited their opponent to 19/52 on two-point attempts, also at 36%.

From beyond the arc, Northwestern gave up 7 threes on 20 attempts, a 35% success rate. They sent their opponent to the line only 8 times, where they made 5 free throws, shooting 62%.

Buckeyes Team Defense

Northwestern’s defense held strong, allowing just 68 points on 36% shooting from the field. They limited their opponent to 19/52 (36%) on two-point attempts.

From beyond the arc, Northwestern gave up 7 threes on 20 attempts, a 35% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the line 8 times, where they made 5 free throws (62%).

Wildcats vs Buckeyes Trends

• Through their last five road contests, the Wildcats offense has averaged 71 points per game while allowing an average of 79. Northwestern posted an overall record of 0-5 while going 2-3 ATS.
• In their last ten games at home, the Buckeyes have a straight up record of 4-6 while going 4-6 vs. the spread. The team averaged 72 points per game in this stretch.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Wildcats have a straight up record of 0-3 and an ATS mark of 1-2.
• In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Buckeyes have a strong straight up record of 2-1. In addition, their ATS record was 2-1 in these scenarios.

Wildcats vs Buckeyes Prediction

For a pick on the point-spread in this Buckeyes vs. Wildcats matchup, our bet is to grab the Wildcats at +10.5. Even though our projections have the Buckeyes winning 76-70, we see the Wildcats as the play on the point-spread.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 142.5 and our model has the Wildcats and Buckeyes finishing with a combined 146 points. Our pick is to take the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.