Ohio State vs Northwestern Prediction 12/6/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Northwestern Wildcats meet Saturday in college basketball action from the Welsh-Ryan Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Northwestern Wildcats prediction.

Ohio State Buckeyes Recap

The Ohio State Buckeyes come into this game looking to bounce back from their loss at the hands of Pitt last time out to sit at 6-1 this season. After this game, Ohio State will head home for a game against Illinois.

Buckeyes Suffer First L

Bruce Thornton leads the Buckeyes in scoring with 20.6 PPG along with 5.3 RPG and 3.4 APG while Christoph Tilly has 15.3 PPG with 5.3 RPG and 3.1 APG as well this season. John Mobley Jr. has 14.9 PPG with 3 APG and Devin Royal has 14 PPG with 5.3 RPG to share the team lead for the Buckeyes in rebounding and to round out the group of double-digit scorers for Ohio State so far this season. As a team, Ohio State is averaging 88.7 PPG on 52.3% shooting from the field, 37.5% from three and 79.8% from the foul line this season.

Northwestern Wildcats Recap

The Northwestern Wildcats come into this game looking to bounce back from an 85-73 loss at the hands of Wisconsin last time out to sit at 5-3 this season. After this game, Northwestern will take on Jackson State at home.

Wildcats Drop Back-To-Back Games

Nick Martinelli leads the Wildcats in scoring and rebounding with 19.8 PPG and 6.9 RPG while Arrinten Page has 15.8 PPG with 6.9 RPG of his own along with 2.4 APG and Jayden Reid has 12.1 PPG with a team-high 5.9 APG to lead the Wildcats in assists and to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Northwestern up to this point in the year. Tre Singleton also has 7.6 PPG with 5.5 RPG as well on the year. As a team, Northwestern is averaging 81 PPG on 50.4% shooting from the field, 35.9% from three and 72.9% from the foul line this season.

Ohio State Buckeyes @ Northwestern Wildcats Betting Trends: December 6, 2025

Why the Northwestern Wildcats will win

• The home team has won each of Ohio State’s last seven games.
• Ohio State has lost each of its last five day games against Conference opponents.
• Northwestern has won the first half in each of its last eight games at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win

• Northwestern has lost 10 of its last 11 day games against Conference opponents.
• Ohio State has won five of its last six games when playing with a rest advantage.
• Ohio State has won the first half in five of its last six road games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Northwestern’s last 10 games against Conference opponents at Welsh-Ryan Arena have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.
• Each of Ohio State’s last four day games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 150 or fewer points.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Northwestern Wildcats Prediction

I’m on Northwestern in this one. I just think the Wildcats are the better team and while Ohio State’s lost a heartbreaker in their last game, I think that has a carryover effect here. Northwestern plays physical defense and I’m concerned that Ohio State’s not going to be able to handle it after a bit of a softer schedule to start the year. Northwestern is a solid home court environment and I think the Wildcats get it done at home here. Give me the Wildcats.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Northwestern -2.5