Ohio State vs Wisconsin Prediction - Basketball Picks 3/8/23

Wisconsin Badgers (17-13) vs Ohio State Buckeyes (13-18)

Game Info: Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 6:30 pm (United Center)

Betting Odds: Wisconsin Badgers +2 -- Over/Under: 132.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

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The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers will meet in Chicago to battle in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center on the BTN. The Buckeyes and the Badgers have faced off 130 times, with Wisconsin leading the all-time series, 77-53.

Ohio State closed at 13-18 after losing to Michigan State in East Lansing. The Buckeyes trailed the Spartans at the break, and they ended up falling by six, 84-76. Ohio State is scoring 73.1 points per game, while allowing 68.2 ppg and shooting 46.1% from the floor.

Ohio State has dropped eleven of their last thirteen games, and they’ll look to turn the tide here in Chicago. The Buckeyes have leaned on true freshman Brice Sensabaugh heavily this season. The 6’6 forward scored 21 points in the finale versus Sparty, and he leads the team in scoring (16.5), while grabbing 5.2 rpg. Senior forward Justice Sueing joins him up front, and he’s second on the team at 12.1 ppg and 5.4 rpg. First-year Hurd Bruce Thornton scored 19 points or more in three of the final four regular season games, and he’s up to 10.1 ppg.

Wisconsin finished at 17-13 after defeating Minnesota in Minneapolis. The Badgers trailed the Gophers at the break, but they rallied back to leave with a four-point win, 71-67. Wisconsin is scoring 65.2 points per game, while allowing 63.4 ppg, and shooting 41.7% from the field.

Wisconsin’s near-upset of Purdue was impressive, and they’ll look to complete the sweep of Minnesota here. The Badgers are 8-11 in Big Ten play, with a 4-6 road record. Sophomore guard Chucky Hepburn leads the Badgers in scoring (12.2), after a hot start in February. Freshman guard Connor Essegian is right behind him at 11.9 ppg after going for a season-high 24 points against Michigan a couple of weeks ago. Veteran big Steven Crowl leads the team in rebounding (7.2), while scoring 11.6 ppg. Senior forward Tyler Wahl scored a team-high 21 points in the win over Minnesota, and he’s averaging 11.3 ppg and 6.3 rpg.

Ohio State is 11-20 against the spread this season, with a 17-14 over/under record. Wisconsin is 13-16-1 ATS this year, with a 15-15 o/u record.

Wisconsin got healthier and grew as a team down the stretch, and I like them taking care of business here in round one. The Badgers come into this matchup with a massive advantage in the experience department, and with the Buckeyes leaning heavily on a pair of freshmen, they should be able to capitalize on that. I love taking the underdog shot with a veteran Wisconsin team here Wednesday evening.