Wisconsin vs Ohio State Prediction 2/17/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Wisconsin vs Ohio State prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, February 17th at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview

The Wisconsin Badgers are 18-7 (10-4) this season after they defeated Michigan State by a score of 92-71 in their last game. Wisconsin led 51-34 at halftime and they added 41 points in the second half in the blowout win. The Badgers shot 48% from the field, 43% on three pointers, and 74% on free throws in the game. Nick Boyd led Wisconsin with 29 points and four assists, while John Blackwell added 24 points and four rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Wisconsin defeated Illinois by a score of 92-90, but lost to Indiana by a score of 78-77 before that. The Badgers have scored 83.7 points per game with 36.8 rebounds and 15.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 75.6 points against per game this season. Nick Boyd is averaging 20.6 points and 3.7 assists per game, while John Blackwell is averaging 19.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Badgers. Wisconsin is shooting 45.0% from the field, 77.8% on free throws, and 35.4% on three pointers this season. 

Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview

The Ohio State Buckeyes are 16-9 (8-6) this year after they lost to Virginia by a score of 70-66 in their last game. Ohio State was tied at 37 at halftime and they only scored 29 points in the second half for the loss. The Buckeyes shot 45% from the field, 43% on three pointers, and 67% on free throws in the game. Bruce Thornton led OSU with 28 points and four rebounds, while Amare Bynum added 15 points and six rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Ohio State defeated USC by a score of 89-82, but lost to Michigan by a score of 82-61 before that. The Buckeyes have scored 81.0 points per game with 34.6 rebounds and 14.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 73.6 points against per game this season. Bruce Thornton is averaging 19.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while Devin Royal is averaging 13.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Buckeyes. Ohio State is shooting 48.8% from the field, 78.6% on free throws, and 34.3% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win

• Ohio State has won five of its last six night games against Conference opponents.
• The home team has won the first half in each of the last three games between Wisconsin and Ohio State.

Why the Wisconsin Badgers will win

• Wisconsin has won 15 of its last 16 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Ohio State has lost eight of its last nine games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Ohio State has lost the first half in seven of its last eight night games against AP-ranked opponents at Value City Arena at Schottenstein Center.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Ohio State’s last five games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 143 or fewer points.
• Three of Wisconsin’s last four games have produced a total of 163+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Ohio State ranks 30th among Division 1 teams for field goal percentage this season (48.8%).
• Ohio State ranks 38th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.5).
• Wisconsin ranks T9th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.2).
• Wisconsin ranks 9th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game this season (11.2).

Wisconsin vs Ohio State Prediction 

Ohio State comes into this matchup after a disappointing loss to Virginia and they have alternated wins and losses over their last five games. The Buckeyes are shooting 49% from the field and they have allowed at least 82 points in three of their last five games. Wisconsin is 10-4 in Big Ten play and they just got two huge wins over MSU and Illinois. The Badgers beat OSU by 10 points at the end of January and I don’t see the Buckeyes being any better, especially without their second leading scorer. Take Wisconsin to win here.

David Racey's Pick: Wisconsin ML