Minnesota vs Ohio State Prediction 1/20/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Minnesota vs Ohio State prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, January 20th at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 10-8 (3-4) this season after they lost to Illinois by a score of 77-67 in their last game. Minnesota was tied at 34 at halftime, but they allowed 43 points in the second half for the loss. The Golden Gophers shot 40% from the field, 34% on three pointers, and 100% on free throws in the game. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson led Minnesota with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Cade Tyson added 15 points and eight rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Minnesota lost to Wisconsin by a score of 78-75 and USC by a score of 70-69. The Golden Gophers have scored 72.8 points per game with 34.3 rebounds and 18.4 assists per game, while they have allowed 67.3 points against per game this season. Cade Tyson is averaging 20.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is averaging 13.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for the Golden Gophers. Minnesota is shooting 45.8% from the field, 69.2% on free throws, and 33.1% on three pointers this season. 

Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview

The Ohio State Buckeyes are 12-5 (4-3) this year after they defeated UCLA by a score of 86-74 in their last game. Ohio State led 42-36 at halftime and added 44 points in the second half to secure the win. The Buckeyes shot 53% from the field, 38% on three pointers, and 84% on free throws in the game. John Mobley Jr led OSU with 28 points and three rebounds, while Devin Royal added 22 points and nine rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Ohio State lost to Washington by a score of 81-74, but did beat Oregon by a score of 72-62 before that. The Buckeyes have scored 83.3 points per game with 36.6 rebounds and 16.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 72.1 points against per game this season. Bruce Thornton is averaging 20.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, while John Mobley Jr is averaging 14.6 points and 2.8 assists per game for the Buckeyes. Ohio State is shooting 49.9% from the field, 79.1% on free throws, and 34.3% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win

• Ohio State has won each of its last eight home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Minnesota has lost each of its last three games.
• Minnesota has lost the first half in each of its last four road night games against the Big Ten Conference.

Why the Minnesota Golden Gophers will win

• Ohio State has lost three of its last four night games against the Big Ten Conference at Value City Arena at Schottenstein Center.
• Minnesota has won three of its last four night games against Ohio State following a road loss.
• Ohio State has lost the first half in three of its last four night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Ten of Minnesota’s last 11 night games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.
• Each of Ohio State’s last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Value City Arena at Schottenstein Center have produced a total of 149+ points.

Minnesota vs Ohio State Prediction 

Minnesota comes into this matchup on a three game losing streak and they have allowed 77 points or more in three of their last five games. The Golden Gophers are shooting 46% from the field, but they are only averaging 34.3 rebounds per game. Ohio State has alternated wins and losses over their last five games and they are just 1-1 in their last two home games. The Buckeyes are shooting 50% from the field and they have scored 74+ in three of their last five. This should be a pretty good game and I think Minnesota’s defense will bounce back with a strong effort. Take the Gophers and the points here.

David Racey's Pick: Minnesota +8.5