The Ohio State Buckeyes (13-18, 5-15) and Wisconsin Badgers (17-13, 9-11) meet Wednesday in a 1st-round matchup in the Big Ten Tournament. Tip from United Center is at 6:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Ohio State vs. Wisconsin odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Buckeyes had a disastrous campaign, although they won 2 of the final 3 games of the regular season while covering all 3 outings. Ohio State fell 65-60 at home against Wisconsin in the only regular-season matchup, losing as a 7.5-point favorite on Feb. 2 as the Under (132) hit.
The Badgers are considered a bubble team, so they can ill afford a loss to a team like the lowly Buckeyes or the bubble will certainly burst. Wisconsin likely needs at least 2 or 3 wins in this tourney to get into a possible position for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid.
Wisconsin stubbed its toe down the stretch, losing a bubble battle at Michigan on Feb. 26 in OT (87-79). It had a chance at a Quad 1 win and resume builder in Madison against then-No. 5 Purdue on March 2, but the Badgers came up just short in a 63-61 setback as 3.5-point underdogs.
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Ohio State vs. Wisconsin odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:53 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Ohio State -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Wisconsin +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Against the spread: Ohio State -2.5 (+100) | Wisconsin +2.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 130.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Ohio State vs. Wisconsin picks and predictions
Prediction
Wisconsin 70, Ohio State 65
Moneyline
WISCONSIN (+110) is worth a look as a short ‘dog in this one. Ohio State has had an underwhelming campaign and the Badgers will be motivated by the need to pick up victories to have any shot at an at-large bid.
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Against the spread
Look to WISCONSIN +2.5 (-120) getting a basket of insurance in a must-win game.
It’s rather surprising to see the Badgers as a short ‘dog in this battle, considering Wisconsin is squarely on the bubble and in need of several wins.
Ohio State really has nothing to play for, and while it has played better lately, it has been tremendously inconsistent all season. In addition, the Badgers won in Columbus in the only regular-season meeting, so what has changed since then? Plus, OSU is just 4-12 ATS in the past 16 games against teams with a winning overall record and 2-12 ATS in the past 14 after a loss.
Over/Under
OVER 130.5 (-115) might be the best wager on the board.
The Over has hit at a 3-1-2 clip in the past 6 games overall for the Buckeyes while going 7-3 in the past 10 against winning teams. The Over is 18-8 in the past 26 neutral site games, too.
The Under is 7-1 in the past 8 neutral site outings for the Badgers but the Over is 7-3 in the past 10 following a straight-up victory.
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