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The record doesn’t look bad on paper for Ohio State (13-6), but a lot of that has been built on the heels of a 9-2 home record. The Buckeyes have also won four neutral site games which makes them 0-4 on the road this season and they’ve lost 13 straight away games dating back to last season. Northwestern (14-5) has to be licking their chops for this meeting as they are 10-1 at home on the year.

Before Betting on Ohio State vs Northwestern NCAAB

The Welsh Ryan Arena in Evanston has become one of the toughest places for a road team to get a win in the Big Ten. That was evident on Wednesday when the Wildcats served up a 96-91 OT win over #10 Illinois and also back on December 1st when Northwestern toppled #1 Purdue 92-88 also in OT.

Boo Buie was huge on Wednesday night just like he’s been all season, putting up 29 against the Fighting Illini. Buie has now gone for 20+ in three of the last four but the Wildcats also have depth with three other players scoring at least 11 ppg.

Ohio State has some things going for them on Saturday that may point to an upset. First off, Northwestern could be due for a letdown after such an exhausting and emotional OT win over in-state rival Illinois. The Wildcats had a 9-day break to decompress after their upset of Purdue, and their next opponent was Detroit where they were a -23 point favorite.

The Wildcats have also alternated wins and losses over their last five games, which would leave them due for a defeat if that trend continues. Ohio State has been horrible on the road for two years now – but their last away win was in Evanston on January 1st of 2023. The Buckeyes also place higher in the Big Ten than Northwestern in both scoring offense and scoring defense.

Buckeyes vs Wildcats Offshore Betting Odds

Offshore Sportsbook Moneyline Total Point Spread
BetOnline OSU (2.35) | NW (1.64) 137.5 OSU +3 (1.95) | NW -3 (1.87)
MyBookie OSU (2.25) | NW (1.65) 137.5 OSU +3 (1.91) | NW -3 (1.91)
BetUS OSU (2.35) | NW (1.64) 137.5 OSU +3.5 (1.90) | NW -3.5 (1.90)
SportsBetting.ag OSU (2.35) | NW (1.64) 137.5 OSU +3 (1.95) | NW -3 (1.87)
XBet OSU (2.25) | NW (1.65) 137.5 OSU +3 (1.91) | NW -3 (191)

Ohio State vs Northwestern NCAAB Prediction & Pick

Momentum or letdown, those are the two choices to contend with if planning to back Northwestern on Saturday night. This is a team that defends their home court very well, and there’s no reason to think that doesn’t continue in this spot. 

Pick: Northwestern -3