Ohio State Buckeyes Defeat Wisconsin Badgers 86-69
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Schottenstein Center
Ohio State Buckeyes 86, Wisconsin Badgers 69, 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 Wisconsin Badgers vs Ohio State Buckeyes?
Ohio State Buckeyes beat Wisconsin Badgers 86-69 at Schottenstein Center on February 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Wisconsin Badgers vs Ohio State Buckeyes?
Ohio State Buckeyes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -115 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
The Ohio State Buckeyes secured a decisive victory over the Wisconsin Badgers, finishing the game with a score of 86-69 at the Schottenstein Center. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked a turnaround for Ohio State, who had previously lost two consecutive games against Wisconsin in their last two meetings. With this win, Ohio State improved their record to 18-9, while Wisconsin fell to 18-8.
In terms of recent form, Ohio State had been struggling, entering the game with a 5-5 record in their last ten outings, including a loss to the Virginia Cavaliers just three days prior. They had an average of 76.8 points scored and 76.9 points allowed during this stretch. Their home performance had been slightly better, with a 4-2 record at the Schottenstein Center over their last six home games. In contrast, Wisconsin was riding a wave of success, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten games and a scoring average of 85.4 points, while allowing 77.8 points. They had also won their last two games, including a recent victory against Michigan State.
The game began with Ohio State looking to capitalize on their home court advantage. They had previously lost to Wisconsin earlier in the season, with a score of 82-92 on January 31, 2026, and were eager to reverse that outcome. The Buckeyes had also struggled against Wisconsin in their last meeting in January 2025, losing 68-70. This context made the game particularly significant for Ohio State, who were determined to break their losing streak against the Badgers.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams were expected to field their regular rosters, as no significant injuries were mentioned. The absence or presence of key players could have influenced the dynamics of the game, but the focus remained on the performances of those who took the court.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Ohio State favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 157.5. This indicated a competitive matchup, with expectations for a high-scoring game given the offensive capabilities of both teams.
As the game unfolded, Ohio State took control in the second half, extending their lead and showcasing their offensive prowess. Key scoring plays included free throws from Bruce Thornton and Ivan Njegovan, as well as a pivotal three-point jumper from John Blackwell. The Buckeyes' ability to convert free throws in critical moments helped maintain their lead as they outscored Wisconsin in the second half.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the resilience of the Ohio State Buckeyes, who not only avenged their earlier losses to Wisconsin but also demonstrated their potential as they head into the latter part of the season. The victory places them in a stronger position as they look to build momentum moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | OSU -1.5 | 157.5 o -110 / u -110 | Wisconsin Badgers -105 · Ohio State Buckeyes -115 |
Leaders
- PointsBruce Thornton27Ohio State Buckeyes
- AssistsBruce Thornton8Ohio State Buckeyes
- ReboundsBruce Thornton9Ohio State Buckeyes
- PointsBraeden Carrington20Wisconsin Badgers
- AssistsJohn Blackwell4Wisconsin Badgers
- ReboundsNolan Winter7Wisconsin Badgers
Recent form
Ohio State Buckeyes
Last 10: 5-5Streak L176.8 scored · 76.9 allowed per game4-2 at home
- L66-70vs Virginia CavaliersFeb 15
- W89-82vs USC TrojansFeb 11
- L61-82vs Michigan WolverinesFeb 8
- W82-62at Maryland TerrapinsFeb 6
- L82-92at Wisconsin BadgersJan 31
- W84-78vs Penn State Nittany LionsJan 27
- L62-74at Michigan WolverinesJan 24
- W82-74vs Minnesota Golden GophersJan 20
- W86-74vs UCLA BruinsJan 17
- L74-81at Washington HuskiesJan 11
Wisconsin Badgers
Last 10: 8-2Streak W285.4 scored · 77.8 allowed per game4-1 away
- W92-71vs Michigan State SpartansFeb 14
- W92-90at Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 11
- L77-78at Indiana HoosiersFeb 7
- W92-82vs Ohio State BuckeyesJan 31
- W67-63vs Minnesota Golden GophersJan 29
- L71-73vs USC TrojansJan 25
- W98-71at Penn State Nittany LionsJan 23
- W96-87vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsJan 17
- W78-75at Minnesota Golden GophersJan 14
- W91-88at Michigan WolverinesJan 10
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 | Wisconsin Badgers | Ohio State Buckeyes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-59 | 31-57 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 7-26 | 11-21 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 52 |
| Free throws | 8-16 | 13-19 |
| Free throw % | 50 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 24 |
| Assists | 13 | 16 |
| Steals | 4 | 3 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 36 |
| Fouls | 19 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 20 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 2 | 94 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-49Braeden Carrington makes 29-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half36-51Ivan Njegovan makes layup
- 2nd Half39-51Braeden Carrington makes 29-foot three point jumper (John Blackwell assists)
- 2nd Half39-52Bruce Thornton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-54Bruce Thornton makes layup
- 2nd Half39-57Devin Royal makes 23-foot three point jumper (Bruce Thornton assists)
- 2nd Half40-57John Blackwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-57Braeden Carrington makes 26-foot three point jumper (John Blackwell assists)
- 2nd Half43-59Amare Bynum makes 5-foot floating jump shot (Devin Royal assists)
- 2nd Half45-59Hayden Jones makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot (Braeden Carrington assists)
- 2nd Half45-61Bruce Thornton makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half47-61Nick Boyd makes layup
- 2nd Half47-64Amare Bynum makes 24-foot three point jumper (Bruce Thornton assists)
- 2nd Half49-64Nick Boyd makes layup
- 2nd Half51-64Hayden Jones makes layup (Nolan Winter assists)
- 2nd Half51-67Devin Royal makes 24-foot three point jumper (Christoph Tilly assists)
- 2nd Half53-67Nick Boyd makes layup
- 2nd Half55-67Hayden Jones makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half55-70Bruce Thornton makes 25-foot three point jumper (Taison Chatman assists)
- 2nd Half56-70Nick Boyd makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-72Bruce Thornton makes layup
- 2nd Half56-73Bruce Thornton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-73Braeden Carrington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-73Braeden Carrington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-75Puff Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half61-75Braeden Carrington makes 28-foot three point jumper (Hayden Jones assists)
- 2nd Half61-76Taison Chatman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-77Taison Chatman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-79Bruce Thornton makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-79John Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-79Nick Boyd makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-81Bruce Thornton makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half63-82Bruce Thornton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-83Bruce Thornton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-83Nick Boyd makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half65-84Ivan Njegovan makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-85Ivan Njegovan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-85Braeden Carrington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-86Devin Royal makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-86John Blackwell makes 27-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Ohio State Buckeyes, below favours Wisconsin Badgers.
Venue
- Schottenstein CenterColumbus, OH
- Attendance9006
- OfficialsJeb Hartness, Keith Kimble, Andy O'Brien
Elsewhere
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- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- 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