NCAA Free Pick: No 3 Ohio State Buckeyes vs No 20 Wisconsin Badgers
Saturday, February 04, 2012
by Joe Rodriguez
No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes takes a trip to No. 20 Wisconsin Badgers in a game that features two of the top defensive teams in the Big Ten. The conference-leading Buckeyes, who have won four straight, allow only 55.6 points per game and haven't given up 60 since Jan. 15 in a win against Indiana.
Wisconsin, which has battled back from a 1-3 start in the conference, is allowing just 49.5 points, No. 1 in the nation. Only two opponents have topped 60 points during Wisconsin's six-game winning streak.
The Buckeyes lead the nation with four wins in six tries against ranked teams, with both losses coming on the road. Ohio State leads the all-time series 82-65 and the Buckeyes lead the series 5-2 when both teams are ranked.
- Ohio State Buckeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers
When: 2:00 PM ET, Saturday, February 4, 2012
Where: Kohl Center, Madison, Wisconsin
TV: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN
Check Live NCAA Basketball Odds on
Justbet Sportsbook
.
Justbet Sportsbook currently have the Buckeyes listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Badgers.
Ohio State Buckeyes (19-3): The Buckeyes don't shy away against ranked teams, as all five starters average double figures in those situations: Jared Sullinger (16.2), William Buford (15.7), Deshaun Thomas (13.3), Aaron Craft (12.0) and Lenzelle Smith Jr. (11.5). Sullinger, who has nine double-doubles this season, averaged 20.5 points, shooting 58 percent from the field, and 10 rebounds in two games against Wisconsin last year. William Buford, who averages 12.7 points against the Badgers, needs two points to move into seventh place on the school's all-time scoring list.
Wisconsin Badgers (18-5): The Badgers can't afford to score 17 points in the first half and shoot 35.4 percent against Ohio State like they did against Penn State. Jordan Taylor has raised his game in the conference. He's averaging 16.5 against Big Ten opponents, 2.4 better than his overall average. Taylor will likely be matched up against the tenacious Craft, who are both finalists for the Bob Cousy Award for the nation's best point guard. Taylor had eight points and four assists against the Buckeyes in their last meeting. Wisconsin will need a good shooting night from 3-point threat Ben Brust (9.3 points, 44 3s) and Jared Berggren (10.5 points),
1. Ohio State has outscored its ranked opponents by 7.7 points.
2. Ohio State allows just 0.81 points per possession and Wisconsin allows just 0.84, ranking them first and second in the nation.
3. Wisconsin had only five turnovers in its last game, the third time that’s happened this year.
BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Buckeyes 61, Badgers 57.
Bet on NCAA College Basketball games with Justbet Sportsbook , Bet now!
Related Articles
- Final Four Predictions & Odds: Ohio State vs Kansas
- Elite 8 Predictions: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Syracuse Orange
- Baskteball Odds: No 8 Florida Gators at No 3 Ohio State Buckeyes
- Sweet Sixteen Predictions: Cincinnati vs Ohio State
- Big Ten Championship Odds: Ohio State vs Michigan State
Category
Tags
aaron craft - ben brust - deshaun thomas - jared berggren - jared sullinger - jordan taylor - lenzelle smith jr - ohio state buckeyes - william buford - wisconsin badgers
