Wisconsin Badgers Face Ohio State Buckeyes in Key Showdown

The Wisconsin Badgers will host the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Kohl Center today, January 31, 2025, in a crucial matchup for both teams vying for NCAA Tournament positioning. After a thrilling victory over border rival Minnesota, Wisconsin (15-6, 7-3 Big Ten) aims to continue its momentum against another key opponent, Ohio State (14-6, 6-4).

Wisconsin’s recent performance has been a rollercoaster. They shot a season-low 34 percent in a narrow loss to USC, followed by a dramatic comeback against Minnesota where they erased an 18-point halftime deficit. The Badgers shot an impressive 70 percent in the second half to secure a 67-63 victory. Guard John Blackwell, who led his team with 23 points, emphasized the importance of perseverance, stating, “We just have fight, and I think we’re more together.”

Ohio State enters the game with a strong offensive reputation, ranking fourth in the Big Ten in adjusted offensive efficiency. The Buckeyes have capitalized on a favorable schedule, boasting a record of 5-1 against conference teams currently under .500. Yet, they have struggled against stronger opponents, failing to secure a victory against any power-conference team with a winning record outside of Ohio.

The Buckeyes lean heavily on their standout trio of players: Bruce Thornton, John Mobley, and Devin Royal. Thornton is making a name for himself nationally, averaging 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Mobley has consistently scored 20 or more points in his last five games, while Royal leads the team in rebounding with an average of 5.7 boards per game.

This matchup is the first of two meetings between Wisconsin and Ohio State within 18 days, with the return game scheduled for February 17 in Columbus. Both teams are closely ranked, separated by just one spot in the KenPom rankings and six in the NCAA NET rankings. The rivalry has been tightly contested, with Wisconsin holding an 8-5 advantage in their last 13 meetings since 2017, and a narrow overall scoring edge of 891 to 887.

Viewing Information

Fans eager to catch the action can tune in at 1 p.m. Central Time on FOX, featuring commentators Jason Benetti and Steve Smith. For those looking to stream the game, options include services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, or Sling TV. Additionally, the official FOX Sports app allows viewers to access the game with their existing subscription credentials.

For radio listeners, the game will be broadcast across the Badger Radio Network, with key stations including WIBA-AM 1310 in Madison and 95.7 BIG FM in Milwaukee. Other affiliates include WDUZ-AM/FM in Green Bay and WXCE-AM in Amery. Fans can also listen via Sirius XM Channel 372 or online through The Varsity Network, featuring play-by-play from Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Matt Lepay and analysis from former Badger center Brian Butch.

Betting Odds

According to BetMGM, Wisconsin is favored to win by 4.5 points, with an over/under set at 156.5. The moneyline reflects Wisconsin at -185 and Ohio State at +150. Wisconsin’s recent performance against the spread shows a record of 10-11 overall, with a 9-8 record as the favorite and 6-6 at home.

As both teams prepare for this pivotal clash, the stakes are high. The outcome could significantly impact their chances for NCAA Tournament inclusion, making this matchup one to watch.