Ohio State Buckeyes at Wisconsin Badgers 2011 NCAA Basketball Preview, Odds, and Predictions: Freshman forward sensation Jared Sullinger will lead the undefeated No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes on the road to the Kohl Center to take on the No. 13 Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday at 2:00 PM ET on ESPN2. The Buckeyes are off to their best start in 50 years at 24-0 at No. 1 while the Badgers enter the game having won 6 of 7 at 18-5, 8-3 tied for 2nd in the Big Ten. OSU has lost their last 8 games in Madison a tough place for any team to play.
“We’re never scared,” said freshman Jared Sullinger, who scored 18 points and had 13 rebounds. “Even on the road, or at home, we just keep playing basketball. That’s what we do.” Since coach Bo Ryan took over for the Badgers they are 149-11 at home and 13-0 this season. “This is my last chance so hopefully we do get one there,” said fifth-year Ohio State senior David Lighty, who scored 18 points in a 60-51 home win over then-No. 13 Wisconsin last season. “When they’re feeling good and making shots, it gets loud in there.” The odds makers at JustBET have the Wisconsin Badgers a -1 point favorite at home against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes are coming off a victory 82-69 on the road over the Minnesota Gophers to move to just 11-10 ATS for the season. Guard-forward David Lighty led the Buckeyes with 19 points 3 rebounds and 4 assists while Sullinger added 18 points pulled down 13 boards and dished 3 dimes. All 5 starters scored in double figures for Ohio State. Ohio State is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Wisconsin. Vegas odds makers have the Ohio State Buckeyes +400 to win the 2011 NCAA Championship.
The Badgers have won 3 consecutive games most recently 62-59 on the road over the Iowa Hawkeyes to move to an impressive 12-7 ATS for the season. Forward-center Jon Leuer led the way with 19 points while pulling down 15 rebounds and dishing out 4 assist in the win. Guard Jordan Taylor added 16 points 4 boards and 8 assists while forward Keaton Nankivil chipped in 10 points and 4 rebounds. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Wisconsin’s last 6 games when playing at home against Ohio State. Vegas odds makers have the over/under for the total score at 146 points combined of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Wisconsin Badgers.
I predict a Badger victory at home!