The Northwestern Wildcats take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
Ohio State is favored by 10 points on the spread with a moneyline of -550. The total is set at 142.5 points.
Here are my Northwestern vs. Ohio State predictions and college basketball picks for February 20, 2025.
Northwestern vs Ohio State Odds
| Northwestern Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+10 -110 | 142.5 -110o / -110u | +400 |
| Ohio State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-10 -110 | 142.5 -110o / -110u | -550 |
- Northwestern vs Ohio State spread: Ohio State -10
- Northwestern vs Ohio State over/under: 142.5 points
- Northwestern vs Ohio State moneyline: Ohio State -550, Northwestern +400
- Northwestern vs Ohio State best bet: Under 143 (Play to 142.5)
My Northwestern vs Ohio State best bet is on the under, with the best odds currently available at Caesars. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
My Northwestern vs Ohio State NCAAB Betting Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats have had a rough go of it in Big Ten play. They enter this matchup 4-11 against conference foes and are sizable underdogs to the Ohio State Buckeyes.
However, we've seen the Wildcats display their offensive prowess lately. They haven't lost by double-digits since January 12 against Michigan State.
Their most recent matchup was a tough one against Nebraska, in which they improved defensively but cooled off offensively.
Northwestern's offensive struggles are set to continue in this matchup, as the Buckeyes have quietly been a stout defensive club. Ohio State ranks 42nd in adjusted defensive efficiency and 34th in effective field goal percentage allowed.
The Buckeyes have excelled at shutting down perimeter shooting, which should translate into slowing down the Wildcats' mid-range game (the mid-range accounts for 34% of their offense).
One area where Northwestern could shine is on the offensive glass, but second-chance buckets will only drain more of the clock. Northwestern is one of the slowest teams in the nation, ranking 307th in adjusted tempo.
The Buckeyes also come into this matchup off a hard-fought loss, dropping a barn-burner to Michigan. Ohio State flexed its muscle on the offensive end but came up short.
However, Ohio State has notable advantages beyond the arc and in the paint against Northwestern. It's been tremendous in the paint, converting nearly 68% of their attempts, but it'll be undersized in this matchup, and that could force the ball to the perimeter.
If that's the case, the Buckeyes have been deadly from downtown, ranking 16th in 3-point percentage.
However, they lack volume from there, ranking just 236th in 3-point rate, which could lower their offensive ceiling for this matchup.
Northwestern vs. Ohio State Betting Analysis
It's clear which side has the edge here, but given the stretches each of these teams has been on, it's hard to envision this matchup being another high-scoring affair.
The Wildcats have the potential to slow this game down if they can control the glass, and that'll limit the Buckeyes' possessions.
However, even if Northwestern is given time to operate offensively in this one, the Buckeyes have the tools to force lower-percentage looks more often than not.
This all will lead to this game staying under the total.
Pick: Under 143 (Play to 142.5)
