Don’t expect a fast-paced game when the Ohio State Buckeyes (12-7, 2-6 Big 10) visit Northwestern to play the Wildcats (6-12, 1-7 Big 10). Action gets underway at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 26, 2020.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Northwestern Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams fell in their last contest. The Wildcats lost to the 17th-ranked Maryland Terrapins, 77-66, while the Buckeyes lost a close one to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 62-59.
Ohio State held Minnesota to an offensive rebounding percentage of 11.8 (below their season average of 33.5) while Northwestern had an effective field goal percentage of 0.573 (above their season average of 0.476). Pat Spencer had a solid game for Northwestern with 17 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Ohio State rallied around Kyle Young, who finished with 14 points and six rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Wildcats won the most recent game 68-50. Northwestern’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Ohio State. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.491 while the Buckeyes posted a mark of 0.297. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams square off. Northwestern ranks 312th in possessions per game (66.5) and Ohio State is 302nd (66.8). Additionally, the Buckeyes’ 23rd-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.441) will square off against the Wildcats’ 263rd-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.481).
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Northwestern Wildcats Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Ohio State ranks 24th in assists allowed per game (10.0) while Northwestern ranks 235th (15.6).
- The Buckeyes rank 17th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Wildcats rank 58th (5.7).
- Ohio State ranks 41st in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Northwestern ranks 80th (3.2).
- The Buckeyes rank 44th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while the Wildcats rank 166th (35.8).
- Ohio State ranks 131st in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while Northwestern ranks 207th in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.4, up from 0.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 64.8 points per game (8.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.6 points per game (9.0 above their season average).
