Ohio State vs. Northwestern Prediction
Big Ten rivals clash in Evanston on Sunday evening when Northwestern hosts Ohio State at 6:30 p.m. ET. With the total currently sitting at 132 and the Wildcats catching six as a home underdog, what’s the best play for bettors in this matchup?
Game Snapshot
857 Ohio State (-6) at 858 Northwestern (+6); o/u 132
6:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, January 26, 2020
Welsh-Ryan Arena
Our NCAA College Basketball Live Odds page pulls spreads and totals from multiple different online sportsbooks so you can compare betting odds to ensure you’re getting the best line.
Public Betting Trends
According to our College Basketball Public Betting Chart page, 65% of betting tickets are on Ohio State to cover the spread in this matchup.
Ohio State Player Spotlight
Kaleb Wesson had 13 points (5-7 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-3 FT), 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks across 34 minutes Tuesday against Nebraska. Wesson turned in an efficient line in this one, leading his squad to an 80-68 victory. He’s been impressive in both the scoring column as well as on the boards lately, securing three double-doubles in his last four games. Wesson will need to bring his best stuff to Saturday’s matchup at Penn State.
Northwestern Player Spotlight
Miller Kopp tallied 14 points (4-10 FG, 3-6 3PT, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, an assist and a steal in 40 minutes Sunday against Minnesota. Kopp shot 40 percent from the field and knocked down three attempts from beyond the arc in this one, but the Wildcats would fall 77-68, marking their fourth straight loss. The sophomore forward has played well over that stretch, however, averaging 17 points to go with 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Kopp will take the court next against Indiana on Wednesday.
NCAA College Basketball Betting Trends
Ohio State
The Buckeyes are 0-5 against the spread in their last five games coming off a loss.
Northwestern
The Wildcats are 3-13 against the spread in their last 16 home games when facing an opponent with a losing road record.
Prediction
Neither of these teams have been trustworthy as betting options, but I still think this number is too short. The Wildcats are 9-21-1 against the spread in their last 31 games overall and are 5-15-1 against the number in their last 21 home games. While Ohio State hasn’t covered in seven consecutive games, the favorite is 4-1 against the number in the last five meetings between these two teams. The Buckeyes had Minnesota on the ropes in their last game but shot 37 percent from the floor in the second half and finished with 12 turnovers. If they could merely lock in and play a clean game, they should win by double-digits.
Sunday NCAA College Basketball Prediction: Ohio State Buckeyes -6