The Ohio State Buckeyes are currently projected to be among the 68 teams going dancing come Selection Sunday. But one bad step could trip up OSU’s tournament plans.
The Buckeyes won’t be taking the Northwestern Wildcats lightly tonight. Not only did the Wildcats beat Ohio State in their lone meeting last year, but NU constantly finds itself in close games versus conference foes.
My Northwestern vs. Ohio State predictions and college basketball picks believe the Buckeyes will “buckle down” on their home court, leaning into defense to get the job done on Thursday, February 20.
Northwestern vs Ohio State prediction
My best bet
Under 143.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Northwestern Wildcats have been down a rough road this past month. The Wildcats have one win in their last seven games and have come up short in a number of competitive contests, including blowing a 20-point lead over Nebraska to lose 68-64 on Sunday.
Those recent outings have been even more challenging since losing standout Brooks Barnhizer (17.1 ppg) for the season at the end of January. Add to that an uphill climb in schedule, with Thursday’s trip to Columbus serving as NU’s third road game in the past four contests (which included a West Coast run to face Oregon and Washington).
The downtrodden Wildcats run into a Ohio State Buckeyes program desperately looking for consistency. Ohio State is coming off a back-and-forth home loss to Michigan and has split wins and losses in its last six showings.
“I’m angry, frustrated, disappointed. This game means a ton, it’s not just another game. I’m not going to walk that back just because we didn’t win it,” Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler told the media following Sunday’s 86-83 defeat to the rival Wolverines.
With no ranked opponents left on OSU’s regular season slate, Diebler’s team can’t afford a loss if it wants to hear its name called on Selection Sunday. That ups the intensity of tonight’s matchup, presenting a playoff-like atmosphere inside Value City Arena.
Ohio State is one of the stingier teams in the Big Ten at home. The Buckeyes give up 68.5 points per homestand on an effective field goal rate of 45.3%, including a very tight perimeter defense allowing opponents to shoot just 28% from beyond the arc in Columbus. Ohio State allows less than 19 points from 3-pointers per home game.
Northwestern runs one of the slower tempos in the Big Ten, with both offensive and defensive possessions running deep into the shot clock. Despite that, the Wildcats have been one of the better Over bets in college basketball this season (18-7-1 O/U), going up against some shorter totals.
Tonight’s Over/Under of 143.5 points is on the high side compared to NU’s closing numbers for its Big Ten battles this year. The Buckeyes present the toughest defensive test for Chris Collins group this month, yet this O/U is higher than Northwestern's recent run-ins.
Game projections range from a low of 139 collective points to a high of 143, but none go higher. My number comes out just shy of 142 points and I lean lower due to the Wildcats’ road-heavy schedule.
Northwestern vs Ohio State same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 143.5
Ohio State moneyline
John Mobley 10+ points
The Buckeyes bounce back from a home loss, locking down a NU attack running out of steam. A crushing loss last time out and a third road game in four outings is too much for Northwestern to overcome against a desperate OSU side.
Mobley has scored double digits in 11 of his last 15 games, with projections calling for at least 11 points tonight.
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Northwestern vs Ohio State AI prediction
Given Ohio State's recent form and home-court advantage, they are favored to win. However, Northwestern's recent high-scoring games suggest the total points may exceed the set line. Therefore, betting on Ohio State to cover the spread and the game to go Over 142.5 points could be favorable.
Northwestern vs Ohio State score prediction
Ohio State 76, Northwestern 63
This prediction factors in Ohio State’s superior offense and Northwestern’s difficulty on the road, especially against stronger teams.
Analysis and score prediction courtesy of ChatGPT.
Northwestern vs Ohio State odds
Northwestern vs Ohio State live odds
Northwestern vs Ohio State opening odds
- Spread: Northwestern +10.5 | Ohio State -10.5
- Moneyline: Northwestern +446 | Ohio State -591
- Over/Under: Over 142.5 | Under 142.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Northwestern vs Ohio State betting trend to know
Northwestern has gone Under the 1H total in 11 of its last 14 away games (+7.55 Units / 47% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Northwestern vs. Ohio State.
How to watch Northwestern vs Ohio State
| Location | Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH |
| Date | Thursday, 2-20-2025 |
| Tip-off | 6:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Northwestern vs Ohio State key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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