Wisconsin Badgers vs Ohio State Buckeyes Picks and Predictions for Tuesday February 17 2026
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The Wisconsin Badgers travel to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET at Value City Arena in Columbus, OH, with the game airing on FS1. Ohio State enters as a 1.5-point home favorite, and the total is set at 159.5. At the time of this writing, the moneyline was not released. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more expert analysis and daily betting insight.
Badgers Playing Confident Basketball
Wisconsin enters this matchup at 18-7 overall and 10-4 in Big Ten play. The Badgers are coming off an impressive 92-71 win over MSU and also picked up victories against ILL 92-90 in overtime, OSU 92-82, and MINN 67-63, with a narrow overtime loss to IU 78-77. Wisconsin has been battle-tested and has shown the ability to win tight games.
The Badgers are averaging 83.7 points per game while allowing 75.6 points per contest. They shoot 45% from the field and average 36.8 rebounds and 15.8 assists per game. Wisconsin has found an offensive rhythm, especially during this recent stretch, consistently pushing games into the 80s and 90s.
One key element for Wisconsin has been their balanced attack. They average 3.2 blocks and 5.7 steals per game, but their scoring punch has been the driving force. When the Badgers dictate tempo, they are difficult to contain.
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Buckeyes Looking for Redemption at Home
Ohio State comes into this contest at 16-9 overall and 8-6 in Big Ten action. The Buckeyes recently fell to UVA 70-66 and MICH 82-61 but picked up wins over USC 89-82 and MD 82-62. They also previously lost to Wisconsin 92-82 in their last meeting, which adds an extra layer of motivation in this rematch.
The Buckeyes are averaging 81.0 points per game while allowing 73.6 points per contest. They shoot an efficient 49% from the field and average 34.6 rebounds and 14.7 assists per game. Ohio State’s offensive efficiency is strong, particularly inside the arc.
Defensively, Ohio State averages 2.5 blocks and 5.0 steals per game. While not overly disruptive, they rely on solid half-court defense. The key for the Buckeyes will be slowing Wisconsin’s pace and limiting second-chance opportunities.
Wisconsin vs Ohio State Pick
Wisconsin vs Ohio State Pick
- Ohio State -1.5
Ohio State is in a prime bounce-back spot at home after losing the first matchup. With Value City Arena behind them and a more efficient shooting profile, I expect the Buckeyes to respond and edge out Wisconsin in a tight contest.
Wisconsin vs Ohio State Total Pick
- Over 159.5
Both teams are averaging over 80 points per game, and their first meeting totaled 174 points. With Wisconsin pushing tempo and Ohio State shooting 49% from the field, I anticipate another high-scoring affair that clears the posted total.
Final Score Prediction: Ohio State 84, Wisconsin 81
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