The Ohio State Buckeyes are fresh off a massive win against Purdue and try to avoid a letdown as they face the Penn State Nittany Lions.
The Nittany Lions are also in a letdown spot after upsetting Iowa and my Ohio State vs. Penn State predictions are fading them at home.
Here are my best free college basketball picks for this Big Ten clash on Wednesday, March 4.
Ohio State vs Penn State prediction
Ohio State vs Penn State best bet: Ohio State -7 (-110)
The Penn State Nittany Lions rank 233rd in the nation in adjusted defense — the worst rating of any high-major program.
Meanwhile, their offense is shooting just 29.6% from deep since the start of February, while ranking 16th in the conference in turnover rate. Those turnover issues could be even worse tonight with lead guard Kayden Mingo (13.7 ppg, 4.3 apg) sidelined by injury.
Ohio State beat PSU 84-78 back in January despite missing center Christoph Tilly and squandering an 18-point lead. PSU also knocked down 40% of its threes in that game and will likely regress in that area tonight.
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Ohio State vs Penn State same-game parlay
OSU sharpshooter John Mobley Jr. poured in 25 points and buried five triples in the first meeting with Penn State. He'll torch a Nittany Lions squad that ranks 348th in the country in threes allowed per game (9.7).
Meanwhile, Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum has eclipsed 4.5 rebounds in four of his previous five games. He also snagged five rebounds in the previous meeting with PSU.
Ohio State vs Penn State SGP
- Ohio State -7
- John Mobley Over 15.5 points
- Amare Bynum Over 4.5 rebounds
Our beyond the arc SGP: Buckeyes Blowout
Since we're betting on OSU to cover due to Penn State's atrocious defense, let's also back star point guard Bruce Thornton (20.0 ppg, 3.7 apg) to eclipse his assists total.
Ohio State vs Penn State SGP
- Ohio State -7
- John Mobley Over 15.5 points
- Amare Bynum Over 4.5 rebounds
- Bruce Thornton Over 4.5 assists
Ohio State vs Penn State odds
- Spread: Ohio State -7 (-110) | Penn State +7 (-110)
- Moneyline: Ohio State -315 | Penn State +255
- Over/Under: Over 153 (-110) | Under 153 (-110)
Ohio State vs Penn State betting trend to know
The Buckeyes have covered the first-half spread in 10 of their last 15 games (+4.30 Units / 25% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Ohio State vs. Penn State.
How to watch Ohio State vs Penn State
| Location | Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA |
| Date | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
Ohio State vs Penn State key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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