Full Breakdown
Wisconsin Badgers Face Ohio State Buckeyes in Key Big Ten Matchup
1/31/2026, 1:34:04 PM
Overview of the Matchup
The Wisconsin Badgers are set to host the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Kohl Center on Saturday, January 31, 2024, at 1 p.m. Central Time. This game is significant for both teams as they vie for positioning in the NCAA Tournament. Wisconsin enters the game with a record of 15-6 (7-3 Big Ten), while Ohio State holds a record of 14-6 (6-4 Big Ten). The Badgers recently secured a comeback victory against Minnesota, overcoming an 18-point halftime deficit, which tied for the largest comeback in the school's history.
Recent Performance and Key Players
Wisconsin's recent performance has been mixed, highlighted by a season-low shooting percentage of 34% in a loss to USC. However, they rebounded strongly against Minnesota, with guard John Blackwell scoring a game-high 23 points. Ohio State, on the other hand, has relied heavily on its key players: Bruce Thornton, who averages 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game; John Mobley, who has scored 20 or more points in the last five games; and Devin Royal, the team's leading rebounder with an average of 5.7 boards per game.
Historical Context
The rivalry between Wisconsin and Ohio State has been closely contested in recent years. Over their last 13 meetings, Wisconsin holds an 8-5 advantage, but the overall score is tightly contested at 891-887 in favor of Wisconsin. The last regular-season meeting occurred on January 14, 2025, where Wisconsin narrowly won 70-68.
Viewing Options
Fans can watch the game on FOX, with Jason Benetti and Steve Smith providing commentary. Streaming options include services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV, or through the official FOX Sports app. For those wishing to listen, the Badger Radio Network will broadcast the game, featuring Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Matt Lepay and former Wisconsin player Brian Butch.
Betting Odds
As of January 30, Wisconsin is favored to win by 4.5 points, with a moneyline of -185 compared to Ohio State's +150. The over/under for the game is set at 156 points.
Conclusion
This matchup is crucial for both teams as they look to solidify their standings in the Big Ten and improve their chances for NCAA Tournament inclusion. With both teams showcasing strong players and a competitive history, the game promises to be an exciting encounter for fans and analysts alike.
