The Ohio State Buckeyes (11-12, 8-15-0 ATS, 3-9 Big Ten) will look to defeat the Northwestern Wildcats (16-7, 13-10-0 ATS, 7-5 Big Ten) for a second time this season, but at home this time. The Buckeyes have a three-game winning streak against the Wildcats and have also won their last three home games against Northwestern. This game is taking place in Value City Arena and is scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. EST.
It's been a solid season for Northwestern, one that has them slated to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament according to the latest Bracketology updates. They've moved up to a nine-seed in the most recent projections. A berth would be their second ever in program history. KenPom has them ranked 59 in the nation this season, ahead of only three Big Ten teams. The Wildcats have gone 5-2 on the road.
Their most recent game was on the road, a 54-52 victory against Wisconsin. The Wildcats couldn't buy a three, only hitting 26.7% of their attempts, but shot 46.7% from the field nonetheless. They outrebounded the Badgers 33-26. Boo Buie led the team with 13 points and four assists.
The @NUMensBball offense is humming early on. ?? pic.twitter.com/C5QIYGZysk
— Northwestern On BTN (@NUOnBTN) February 5, 2023
Northwestern plays at one of the slowest tempos in the country, ranking 271st in adjusted tempo. It helps them hold opponents to 62.0 points per game, third in the Big Ten and 20th in the nation. Opposing teams don't shoot well against them either, only making 40.1% of their shots which is 27th nationally. Their three-point defense is suspect though, as they allow foes to knock down 35.3% of shots from beyond the arc. They average 8.0 steals per game which is second in the conference.
Offensively, the Wildcats are putting up 68.3 points per game, 10th in the conference. Pace isn't the only culprit, as they only shoot 40.7% as a team which is last in the Big Ten and 338th in the NCAA. They aren't much better on threes, only hitting 31.6%, 11th in the Big Ten.
No House Advantage: Bet on player over/unders VS THE HOUSE to 21x your bet OR play in PICK 'EM contests against other people! Click here to get a 1st deposit match up to $100 1st w/ promocode WandW!