The Wisconsin Badgers and Ohio State Buckeyes face off on Thursday from Columbus. The Badgers need a road victory on their way to a potential Big Ten basketball title.
TV Schedule: Thursday, Feb. 23, 9:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Arena: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
After some uneven footing, Wisconsin (22-5, 11-3) looks to a home stretch that could earn them a Big Ten title.
The Badgers are 1-2 over their last three, but earned a huge win at home against No. 23 Maryland on Sunday. If the Badgers win out, they will earn at least a share of the Big Ten title.
For the Buckeyes (15-13, 5-10), the season can’t end soon enough. Ohio State have not played to expectations this season, struggled with injuries and have lost 5 out of their last 7 overall. They haven’t won at home since January 25th.
The first match up between the Buckeyes and Badgers was a Wisconsin rout, 89-66. Wisconsin shot 54% from three in that one and Bronson Koenig scored 21 points. Given the game is on the road this time, I don’t expect Wisconsin to be able to shoot as well in Columbus.
I think this game will be closer. Koenig, while back, is still dealing with residual issues with his leg, and Wisconsin still have only scored more than 70 points in just one out of their last seven games.
Ohio State have the length to disrupt some of the things that Wisconsin will try to do. The Buckeyes can play decent defense for stretches of a game and may bring more effort given the ranked opponent.
Don’t expect Wisconsin to walk all over Ohio State this time around. Expect a close game throughout; I think Ethan Happ will play better in this match up (6 points on 3-10 shooting) and could be the difference. For the Buckeyes to pull the upset, they will need to defend the post, make outside shots and have multiple people go off offensively (Jae’Sean Tate, Marc Loving and JaQuan Lyle).
It is a little too much to ask. The Badgers will use timely plays down the stretch and defeat the Buckeyes to stay on track in their pursuit of a Big Ten title.
Next: Bracketology: The updated projected field and a weekend summary
Prediction: Wisconsin 68, Ohio State 60