- Matchup: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Ohio State Buckeyes
- Scheduled Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
- Broadcasting On: ESPN+
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This Tuesday, the Minnesota Golden Gophers (10-8) head to Value City Arena to compete against the Ohio State Buckeyes (12-5).
The Minnesota Golden Gophers recently faced Illinois, suffering a defeat with a final score of 77-67. In the personal fouls department, the Gophers registered 16 fouls while Illinois had 9. From beyond the arc, Minnesota made 13 of 35 attempts. Illinois capitalized at the free-throw line, hitting 84.2% (16 out of 19). Additionally, Illinois collected 38 rebounds (15 offensive and 23 defensive) without any blocks. They also recorded 16 assists and 5 steals during the match. On the defensive front, Minnesota allowed Illinois to shoot 40.7% from the field, going 24 for 59. They managed to dish out 16 assists, force 10 turnovers, and earn 7 steals. In the rebounding department, the Gophers grabbed 29 boards, including 11 on the offensive end, and converted all 3 free-throw attempts, marking a perfect 100% conversion rate. Overall, Minnesota finished with a field goal percentage of 40.0% (26 of 65) and made 12 of their 35 three-point attempts.
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson was a standout player in this outing, contributing 22 points on 8 of 18 shooting over 29 minutes. He also secured 8 rebounds and recorded 3 assists, finishing with a shooting percentage of 44.4%.
As of now, Minnesota stands at 10-8 for the season. They average 10.9 turnovers and 16.3 personal fouls per game. The team averages 34.3 rebounds, with a total of 331 assists this year, ranking them 30th nationally in assists. The Gophers connect on 33.1% of their three-point shots (141 of 426) and hold a free throw percentage of 69.2%. They average 72.8 points per game, ranking 278th in Division I, while maintaining a field goal percentage of 45.8%.
Defensively, the Golden Gophers force an average of 11.6 turnovers while committing 18.8 personal fouls per game. They rank 181st in Division I for assists allowed, with a total of 245 surrendered this season. Their defense allows opponents a field goal percentage of 42.1% (422 of 1,003) and they average 32.5 rebounds allowed per game. Their opponents shoot 33.9% from three-point range, ranking 43rd in the nation in points allowed, with an average of 67.3 per game.
In their previous match, the Ohio State Buckeyes secured a victory against UCLA, finishing 86-74. Ohio State achieved a total of 32 rebounds (22 defensive and 10 offensive) while turning over the ball just 10 times, recording 1 steal. UCLA committed 20 fouls, giving the Buckeyes 25 opportunities at the charity stripe, where they converted 21 for an impressive 84.0% success rate. Ohio State shot 37.5% from three-point range, making 9 of 24 attempts. At the game’s conclusion, the Buckeyes recorded 28 field goals on 53 attempts, achieving a 52.8% shooting percentage. UCLA made 25 of 62 attempts from the floor, finishing at 40.3%. The Buckeyes also allowed UCLA to secure 26 rebounds, including 13 on the offensive end.
John Mobley Jr. played a pivotal role for the Buckeyes, hitting 8 of 15 shots for a field goal percentage of 53.3%, while also pulling down 3 rebounds and scoring 28 points in 38 minutes of play alongside 3 assists.
Ohio State’s record this season stands at 12-5. The team averages 17.5 personal fouls per game and excels at the free throw line with a 79.1% conversion rate. They average 16.1 assists, ranking 83rd nationally, and lose possession via turnover 10.9 times per game. The Buckeyes have scored 1,416 points this season, averaging 83.3 points per game, and secure 36.6 rebounds per game. Offensively, Ohio State is shooting an impressive 49.9% from the field, placing them 21st in the country.
Defensively, the Buckeyes rank 137th nationally, allowing an average of 72.1 points per game. They force an average of 10.8 turnovers and allow opponents a field goal percentage of 41.8% (80th in college basketball). Their three-point defense is strong, allowing just 30.0% shooting (125 of 417), while opponents convert 73.9% of their free throw attempts. Ohio State allows an average of 12.9 assists and 31.3 rebounds per game, ranking 152nd and 39th in the country, respectively.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on Ohio State and the under for total points.
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