It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Wisconsin Badgers (3-4) welcome the Ohio State Buckeyes (5-3) to Kohl Center. The game begins at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
Wisconsin is a 10.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 134.5 points.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers ATS Prediction
In the Buckeyes’ last outing, they were beaten by the Clemson Tigers, 79-65. One of Clemson’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 11-13 (84.6 percent), while the Buckeyes were just 8-16 (50.0 percent). Keita Bates-Diop led Ohio State in scoring with 21 points on 7-for-18 shooting.
The Badgers were beaten by the No. 18 Virginia Cavaliers in their last game, 49-37. Virginia’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Cavaliers had more offensive rebounds (14 vs. nine), defensive rebounds (25 vs. 21) and total rebounds (39 vs. 30). Wisconsin’s Ethan Happ put together a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 14 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
Getting to the line could be rare for Wisconsin in this battle. Since last season, the Badgers rank 294th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.212, while Ohio State ranks 39th in FTA rate allowed (0.198).
Ohio State is 5-3 straight up (SU), but they struggle covering the spread (2-4 against the spread (ATS)). Buckeyes games have typically gone under the total (83.3 percent).
Meanwhile, Wisconsin owns records of 3-4 SU and 2-4 ATS. Badgers games have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
These two teams split two games last season. The Buckeyes won the last matchup 83-73. The Buckeyes knocked down 23 of their 27 free throws (85.2 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.0 vs. 22.2).
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Wisconsin, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Wisconsin ranks 17th in three pointers allowed per game (17.7) while Ohio State ranks 290th (24.3).
The Badgers rank 112th in steals per game (6.6) while the Buckeyes rank 247th (5.2).
Wisconsin ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (10.1) while Ohio State ranks 124th (12.8).
The Badgers rank 15th in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while the Buckeyes rank 120th (34.3).
