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Northwestern vs. Ohio State prediction and odds for Thursday, February 9

By Josh Yourish

Northwestern Wildcats forward Robbie Beran (31) defends Ohio State Buckeyes forward Justice Sueing. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Northwestern Wildcats forward Robbie Beran (31) defends Ohio State Buckeyes forward Justice Sueing. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s been a really rough stretch for the Ohio State Buckeyes who now find themselves, 11-13 and 3-9 in the Big 10 after losing four straight conference matchups.

Their latest loss came on Sunday to their rival, Michigan, 77-69. They let Hunter Dickinson dominate the paint with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Last Thursday, Dickinson had 19 in a Michigan win over Northwestern.

The Wildcats come into this matchup in the middle of the pack in the conference, 16-7 (7-5). On Sunday, they bounced back with a 54-52 win over Wisconsin. Northwestern has a tough stretch coming up with Purdue and Indiana, so they need to beat the under .500 Buckeyes in Columbus.

The only problem, Ohio State is the favorite in this one.

Here are the odds:

Northwestern vs. Ohio State odds, spread and total

Northwestern vs. Ohio State prediction and pick

Vegas keeps believing in Ohio State and it’s because the Buckeyes have some convincing numbers to sway them in that direction.

Ohio State is 34th in KenPom and 35th in offensive efficiency. KenPom likes its offense even more, as the Buckeyes are 16th in adjusted offense. They have disappointed to the tune of an under .500 record and an 8-15 mark against the spread.

The last time these teams met, OSU took down the Wildcats, 73-57 back on Jan. 1.

In that one, Northwestern shot 29% from 3 and a disastrous, 28.4% from the field. Even with that awful shooting, that game almost got to the total that’s set for today, 135.5.

Northwestern is 17th in defensive efficiency, but in its last three, its efficiency is 1.099 on that end which would be 343rd in the nation. The over is 5-0 in Northwestern’s last five games after a straight up win.

Brice Sensabaugh had a big game in the last meeting, but he’s coming off the bench now, and it could be up to Justice Sueing to lead the offense.

Ohio State is 7-7 ATS as a favorite, so I’m not confident enough to fade it, but I like the over in this one.

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change