Five Things to Know: Badgers at Ohio State
Five Things to Know: Badgers at Ohio State
The No. 24 Wisconsin men's basketball team is officially back in the national conversation. After a dominant stretch that saw them topple multiple top-10 opponents, the Badgers (18-7, 10-4 Big Ten) are heading to Columbus for a high-stakes Tuesday night showdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes (16-9, 8-6 Big Ten). With March Madness right around the corner, this rematch at the Schottenstein Center carries significant weight for both programs. Wisconsin looks to maintain its climb in the AP Top 25, while a desperate Ohio State squad is fighting to solidify its spot on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Here is everything you need to know before tipoff.
1. Wisconsin's Top-10 Momentum and New Ranking
Wisconsin is playing its best basketball of the season at exactly the right time. The Badgers recently powered past No. 10 Michigan State with a convincing 92-71 victory, marking their third win over a top-10 team this year. This elite level of play has propelled them back into the AP Top 25 at No. 24, their highest ranking since mid-November. The Badgers are currently tied for the most top-10 wins in the country this season, a testament to their ability to rise to the occasion in big games. Over the last two seasons, Wisconsin holds a 6-4 record against top-10 competition, proving that Greg Gard’s squad is a legitimate threat to anyone in the conference.
2. The Brilliance of Nick Boyd and John Blackwell
The engine behind Wisconsin's recent surge has been the record-breaking backcourt duo of Nick Boyd and John Blackwell. Both players posted 20-point games against Michigan State, marking the eighth time this season they have achieved that feat simultaneously—the most in program history. Boyd, the reigning Big Ten Player of the Week, has been on an absolute tear, averaging 27 points over his last two games. His streak of six consecutive games with at least 20 points is the longest for a Badger since Alando Tucker in 2007. Blackwell has been equally impressive, providing consistent scoring and perimeter defense that has made Wisconsin one of the toughest matchups in the Big Ten.
3. Ohio State’s Uphill Battle Without Key Players
While Wisconsin enters the game at full strength, the Buckeyes are dealing with significant injury concerns. Star sophomore guard John Mobley Jr., the team's second-leading scorer and a critical deep-threat, is likely out with a hand injury. Mobley missed the Buckeyes' recent loss to Virginia, and his absence was felt deeply. Without him, the offensive burden falls heavily on Bruce Thornton. Thornton, a senior leader, remains one of the most productive guards in the country, averaging 19.6 points and nearly 4 assists per game. However, against a Wisconsin defense that has historically held Ohio State under 70 points, Thornton will need his supporting cast, including Devin Royal and Christoph Tilly, to step up significantly to keep pace.
4. Historical Dominance and Tactical Trends
History favors the Badgers in this matchup. Wisconsin has won four straight games against the Buckeyes, their longest winning streak in the series since the 2004-05 season. Head coach Greg Gard has been particularly successful against Ohio State, holding an 11-5 all-time record, including a 4-2 mark in Columbus. A major factor in this success has been Wisconsin’s three-point shooting. The Badgers lead the Big Ten with 11.2 made triples per game, and their 31.7 attempts per contest also top the league. In their January meeting, Wisconsin exploited Ohio State's perimeter defense to score 92 points, their highest regulation total against the Buckeyes since 1985. Ohio State must find a way to slow down the tempo and limit these transition opportunities if they hope to snap the losing streak.
5. Tournament Implications and Betting Outlook
As the regular season winds down, every game is a "resume game." For Wisconsin, a road win in Columbus would further solidify their seeding and keep them in the hunt for a high seed in the Big Dance. For Ohio State, this is a "must-win" bubble scenario. Currently sitting on the outside looking in according to many bracketologists, a victory over a ranked Wisconsin team would provide the signature win they desperately need. Oddsmakers view this as a near-even contest, with Wisconsin favored by a slim 1.5 points. Given that both teams rank higher in offensive efficiency than defensive efficiency, many analysts are predicting a high-scoring affair that could easily surpass the 155.5 over/under total.
The action tips off at 8:30 PM ET on FS1. Whether it’s Wisconsin’s three-point barrage or Ohio State’s desperate stand at home, the Schottenstein Center is set to host one of the most pivotal Big Ten matchups of the week.
Five Things to Know: Badgers at Ohio State
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