The No. 22 Ohio State Buckeyes (15-4, 6-0 Big 10) will try to prolong their five-game winning streak against the Northwestern Wildcats (11-8, 2-4 Big 10) at Allstate Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 140.5 points with Ohio State set as a 3-point favorite.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Northwestern Wildcats Betting Prediction
The Buckeyes come in on a high note after dismantling the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in their last contest, 68-46. The Buckeyes had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 34.4 (above their season average of 29.0) and held the Scarlet Knights to an effective field goal percentage of 0.339 (below their season average of 0.450). Ohio State received a boost from Keita Bates-Diop, who was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 8-for-19 shooting.
In the Wildcats’ last game, they lost big to the Indiana Hoosiers, 66-46. Indiana’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Northwestern. The Hoosiers had a rate of 0.509 (below their season average of 0.511), while the Wildcats posted a mark of 0.330 (below their season average of 0.512). Vic Law had a solid performance for Northwestern, leading the team in scoring with nine points on 4-for-11 shooting.
Second-chance points could be scarce for Northwestern in this matchup. The Wildcats rank 182nd in offensive rebounding percentage (29.5 percent), while Ohio State ranks 70th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.2 percent).
Ohio State heads into the game with records of 15-4 straight up (SU) and 9-8 against the spread (ATS). Of the Buckeyes’ 17 games with betting action, 12 have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Northwestern is 11-8 SU and 6-10 ATS. Coinciding with Ohio State, games including the Wildcats also have a tendency to go under the O/U total (56.3 percent).
Bates-Diop has averaged 26.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Ohio State.
After the Wildcats won the only game against the Buckeyes last season, 74-72, these teams will clash for the first time this year. The Wildcats had a much better turnover percentage (9.7 vs. 16.2) and had a better free throw rate (0.297 vs. 0.211).
Ohio State Buckeyes at Northwestern Wildcats Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Ohio State is 4-3 ATS with 4 unders and 3 overs.
Northwestern is 4-4 ATS at home with 5 unders and 3 overs.
Northwestern ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while Ohio State ranks 209th (24.4).
The Buckeyes average 15.5 assists per game, which ranks 69th in the nation. The Wildcats rank 129th in assists allowed per game (13.4).
Ohio State ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Northwestern ranks 77th (3.3).
The Buckeyes rank 36th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Wildcats rank 79th (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Ohio State is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Northwestern is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Buckeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.8, up from 12.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (4.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.4 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
