Ohio State Edges Northwestern in Close Contest
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2:00 PM ET · Welsh-Ryan Arena
Ohio State Buckeyes 86, Northwestern Wildcats 82, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Ohio State Buckeyes vs Northwestern Wildcats?
Ohio State Buckeyes beat Northwestern Wildcats 86-82 at Welsh-Ryan Arena on December 6, 2025.
In a thrilling matchup at Welsh-Ryan Arena, the Ohio State Buckeyes narrowly defeated the Northwestern Wildcats with a final score of 86-82. The game showcased a high level of intensity and competitiveness, reflecting the stakes for both teams as they navigated their early-season schedules. Ohio State, now holding a record of 8-1, continues to demonstrate its prowess on the court, while Northwestern falls to 5-5 after this closely contested battle.
Ohio State entered the game with a strong away record of 7-1, having recently faced some stiff competition. Their last ten games have yielded a record of 7-3, with an impressive scoring average of 86.7 points per game while allowing 72.8. However, they were coming off a loss against the Pittsburgh Panthers, which ended a streak of wins. In contrast, Northwestern's recent form has been less favorable, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, averaging 78.3 points scored and 70.6 points allowed. They have now lost their last two games, including a recent defeat against the Wisconsin Badgers.
At home, Northwestern has managed a record of 4-1, but their recent struggles have raised concerns about their ability to maintain that home advantage. Ohio State, on the other hand, has proven to be formidable at home with a record of 7-1, although they have yet to secure a win in their two away games this season. The matchup was particularly significant as Ohio State had previously defeated Northwestern 70-49 in their earlier meeting this season.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player availability, but it is always a crucial factor in determining the outcome of games at this level. Both teams will be looking to maintain their key players as they move deeper into the season.
The betting market reflected a close contest, with DraftKings setting the odds at Ohio State -1.5, indicating a tightly matched game. The total for the game was set at 155.5, suggesting expectations for a high-scoring affair, which was indeed realized as both teams exceeded the total combined score.
Conditions during the game were typical for a December evening in Illinois, with the arena filled with passionate fans eager to support their teams. The atmosphere was electric, contributing to the competitive spirit on the court.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination. Key moments included late free throws by Nick Martinelli and Christoph Tilly, which helped Ohio State maintain their lead in the closing minutes. The final scoring plays were crucial in sealing the victory for the Buckeyes, demonstrating their composure under pressure.
Overall, this game highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance. Ohio State's ability to secure a win on the road against a determined Northwestern squad will serve as a confidence booster as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | OSU -1.5 | 155.5 o -108 / u -112 | Ohio State Buckeyes -110 · Northwestern Wildcats -110 |
Leaders
- PointsNick Martinelli32Northwestern Wildcats
- AssistsJayden Reid6Northwestern Wildcats
- ReboundsArrinten Page9Northwestern Wildcats
- PointsBrandon Noel29Ohio State Buckeyes
- AssistsBruce Thornton10Ohio State Buckeyes
- ReboundsBrandon Noel7Ohio State Buckeyes
Recent form
Northwestern Wildcats
Last 10: 6-4Streak L278.3 scored · 70.6 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L73-85at Wisconsin BadgersDec 4
- L81-86vs Oklahoma State CowboysNov 28
- W79-77vs South Carolina GamecocksNov 23
- L78-83at Virginia CavaliersNov 21
- W81-79at DePaul Blue DemonsNov 15
- W110-63vs Cleveland State VikingsNov 11
- W76-52vs Boston University TerriersNov 7
- W70-47vs Mercyhurst LakersNov 4
- L63-70at Wisconsin BadgersMar 13
- W72-64at Minnesota Golden GophersMar 12
Ohio State Buckeyes
Last 10: 7-3Streak L186.7 scored · 72.8 allowed per game0-2 away
- L66-67at Pittsburgh PanthersNov 29
- W113-60vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersNov 25
- W91-58vs Western Michigan BroncosNov 21
- W64-63vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishNov 16
- W75-53vs App State MountaineersNov 11
- W94-68vs Purdue Fort Wayne MastodonsNov 7
- W118-102vs IU Indianapolis JaguarsNov 3
- L70-77vs Iowa HawkeyesMar 12
- L60-66at Indiana HoosiersMar 8
- W116-114vs Nebraska CornhuskersMar 5
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Ohio State Buckeyes | Northwestern Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 35-61 | 29-61 |
| Field goal % | 57 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 4-14 | 8-24 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 33 |
| Free throws | 12-20 | 16-18 |
| Free throw % | 60 | 89 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 21 |
| Assists | 24 | 21 |
| Steals | 5 | 4 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 19 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 62 | 38 |
| Fouls | 17 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 51 | 41 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half48-57Jayden Reid made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Arrinten Page.
- 2nd Half50-57Brandon Noel made Layup. Assisted by Gabe Cupps.
- 2nd Half52-57Bruce Thornton made Jumper. Assisted by Gabe Cupps.
- 2nd Half52-59Nick Martinelli made Jumper. Assisted by Jayden Reid.
- 2nd Half54-59Brandon Noel made Layup. Assisted by Gabe Cupps.
- 2nd Half55-59Bruce Thornton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-59Bruce Thornton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-60Nick Martinelli made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-61Nick Martinelli made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-61Bruce Thornton made Layup.
- 2nd Half60-61Brandon Noel made Layup. Assisted by Devin Royal.
- 2nd Half62-61Brandon Noel made Layup.
- 2nd Half64-61Amare Bynum made Layup. Assisted by John Mobley Jr..
- 2nd Half64-64Arrinten Page made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by K.J. Windham.
- 2nd Half65-64Brandon Noel made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half66-64Brandon Noel made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-64Brandon Noel made Layup. Assisted by Bruce Thornton.
- 2nd Half68-66Nick Martinelli made Layup. Assisted by Arrinten Page.
- 2nd Half69-66Bruce Thornton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half71-66Devin Royal made Jumper. Assisted by Gabe Cupps.
- 2nd Half71-67Jayden Reid made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half71-68Jayden Reid made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half73-68Devin Royal made Layup. Assisted by Bruce Thornton.
- 2nd Half73-70K.J. Windham made Jumper. Assisted by Nick Martinelli.
- 2nd Half75-70Brandon Noel made Layup. Assisted by Christoph Tilly.
- 2nd Half76-70Brandon Noel made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-73Nick Martinelli made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half78-73Brandon Noel made Dunk. Assisted by Devin Royal.
- 2nd Half81-73Devin Royal made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Bruce Thornton.
- 2nd Half81-75Arrinten Page made Dunk. Assisted by Nick Martinelli.
- 2nd Half81-77Angelo Ciaravino made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half82-77Devin Royal made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half82-79Angelo Ciaravino made Layup.
- 2nd Half82-80Nick Martinelli made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half82-81Nick Martinelli made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half83-81Bruce Thornton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half84-81Bruce Thornton made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half85-81Christoph Tilly made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half86-81Christoph Tilly made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half86-82Nick Martinelli made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours Northwestern Wildcats, below favours Ohio State Buckeyes.
Venue
- Welsh-Ryan ArenaEvanston, IL
- Attendance5448
- OfficialsJames Breeding, Andy O'Brien, Randy Richardson
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- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond