- Matchup: Wisconsin Badgers vs Ohio State Buckeyes
- Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Ohio State Buckeyes (16-9) will aim to best the Wisconsin Badgers (18-7) at Value City Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Wisconsin Badgers recently clashed with Michigan State, securing a solid victory with a score of 92-71. In terms of fouls, the Badgers had 15, while Michigan State tallied 18. Wisconsin excelled with 8 successful three-pointers out of 27 attempts. Michigan State performed brilliantly at the free-throw line, making 15 of 16 shots for a remarkable 93.8%. On the boards, Michigan State claimed 35 rebounds (12 offensive, 23 defensive) but did not achieve any blocks. Overall, they distributed 13 assists and recorded 4 steals. Defensively, Wisconsin permitted their opponents to shoot 36.4% from the field, as Michigan State hit 24 of 66 shot attempts. The Badgers tallied 14 assists and forced 9 turnovers, alongside 6 steals. They dominated the boards with a total of 34 rebounds, including 11 offensive, and converted 17 of 23 free-throw attempts for a success rate of 73.9%. Wisconsin’s shooting percentage stood at 48.4% (30 of 62) and they connected on 15 of 35 attempts from beyond the arc.
Nick Boyd was a key player in this matchup, showcasing his skills with a 58.8% shooting rate from the field and providing 4 assists. In 32 minutes of play, he grabbed 3 rebounds and scored 29 points on 10 of 17 shooting.
The Badgers approach this game boasting a record of 18-7 for the season. They average 83.7 points per game (37th nationally) while shooting 45.0% from the field. Wisconsin excels in three-point shooting at 35.4% (280 of 792) and maintains a 77.8% success rate from the free-throw line. As a team, the Badgers grab 36.8 boards per game and have accumulated 396 assists this season, ranking 103rd in Division 1 for assists. They keep their turnovers low at 9.2 per game but commit an average of 17.6 fouls each game.
Defensively, the Badgers compel their opponents into an average of 10.3 turnovers each game and draw 18.5 fouls. They allow 32.9% shooting from three-point range and rank 233rd in Division 1 for points allowed, conceding an average of 75.6 points per game. Wisconsin’s opponents successfully shoot 44.0% (666 out of 1,515) against them and the Badgers yield 34.3 rebounds per contest, ranking 120th in allowing assists with a total of 328 thus far this season.
In their previous outing, the Ohio State Buckeyes suffered a narrow defeat to Virginia, concluding the game at 70-66. Ohio State managed to gather 19 defensive and 5 offensive rebounds for a total of 24. They lost possession 7 times, while securing 5 steals throughout the game. Virginia committed 12 fouls, resulting in 9 free-throw attempts for Ohio State, who converted 6 (66.7%). From three-point range, the Buckeyes made 6 of 14 attempts, equating to 42.9%. The Buckeyes finished with a shooting percentage of 45.0%, going 27 out of 60 overall. Meanwhile, they allowed Virginia a shooting rate of 42.9% by completing 21 of 49 shots. The Buckeyes hit 22 of 32 free throws, achieving 68.8%, but yielded 36 rebounds to Virginia, including 10 offensive boards.
Bruce Thornton was a standout for the Buckeyes, scoring 28 points on 12 of 21 shooting, marking a 57.1% field goal percentage. He contributed 4 rebounds and 1 assist in 38 minutes of play.
This year, the Buckeyes hold a 16-9 record. They average 17.9 fouls per game and maintain a 78.6% success rate from the charity stripe. Ohio State averages 14.7 assists per game (135th in college) and commits around 10.6 turnovers a game. They have scored a total of 2,024 points this year (averaging 81.0 per game) and average 34.6 rebounds per match. Offensively, Ohio State is shooting 48.8% from the field, ranking them 30th nationally.
Defensively, Ohio State allows opponents to shoot 31.1% on three-point attempts (187 of 602) and their free-throw shooting rate sits at 73.9%. They concede an average of 13.1 assists and 32.3 rebounds per game, ranking them 154th and 60th, respectively. The Buckeyes are 178th in points allowed per game at 73.6, enforcing 11.0 turnovers per game, while allowing opponents to shoot 43.1% from the field (120th in college basketball).
Which team will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA match against the spread?
Pick: Select Ohio State
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