The No. 16 Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Madison to face the No. 13 Wisconsin Badgers at 7:00 pm ET on ESPN 2 this evening.

The Buckeyes sit at 10-3 on the season following their most prolific offensive showing of the year against Northwestern on Sunday. Despite not having coaches Chris Holtmann and Ryan Pedon due to COVID protocols, the Buckeyes got off to a hot start, led by EJ Liddell. Liddell accounted for 17 of the first 19 points, knocking down five three pointers in the process. Liddell would finish with 34 points and 5 blocks. Freshman Malaki Branham was also another big contributor, giving the Buckeyes 24 points as he continued his hot streak. Although the offense was clicking, the defensive intensity was lacking, conceding 87 points to the Wildcats and allowing 14 offensive rebounds, definitely something Holtmann will have his team looking to improve going forward.

The Wisconsin Badgers sit at 13-2 and are on a five game win streak since their 18 point defeat in Columbus. Guard Jonathan Davis has easily played himself into National Player of the Year talk as he continues to fill up the stat sheet. Over the past three games he has led the Badgers to gritty wins over Purdue, Iowa, and Maryland. Overall, the Badgers have continued to struggle from beyond the arc, but their ability to control tempo and dominate the glass has led to success.

As the Badgers look to keep the momentum going a chance for a revenge game is certainly great motivation. For the Buckeyes, who will return Holtmann and Pedon to the bench, slowing down Davis and seeing scoring success from Liddell and Branham will be major keys.

The Badgers are favored by 3.5 points on their home floor.

Score Prediction: 73-71, Ohio State

Catch all the action on ESPN2 at 7:00 pm ET.

Feature Image: Joseph Maiorana, USA TODAY Sports