Ohio State enters the final week of the regular season still looking for an impressive win. The Buckeyes beat Northwestern by four on the road on December 6 for a Quad I win. Since then, OSU has lost 10 straight Quad I games, going 1-9 ATS.
With three games left and on the wrong side of the bubble, visiting Purdue is the Buckeyes’ last chance to get a resume-building win.
My Purdue vs. Ohio State predictions and college basketball picks like their chances to at least get a cover on Sunday, March 1.
Purdue vs Ohio State prediction
Purdue vs Ohio State best bet: Ohio State +6.5 (-116)
There’s a chance the Ohio State Buckeyes will have their rotation intact. Wing Devin Royal returned from injury last game, against Iowa, but seven-footer Christoph Tilly was out after aggravating a calf injury that he battled in January. He’s a game-time decision. Guard John Mobley, also questionable for Iowa, is not listed on the injury report.
If Tilly plays, he should feast on the shaky interior defense of the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue has allowed the last two opponents to shoot 40 of 62 on two-point attempts. Purdue has allowed nine of the last 15 conference foes to shoot at least 57% from two.
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Purdue vs Ohio State same-game parlay
Thornton scored just 10 the last time out, snapping a streak of four straight 20+ point outings over which he averaged 26.5. Coach Jake Diebler told him to be more aggressive after Thornton took just eight shots—only the third time in 19 games he’s taken fewer than 10. Look for Thornton to be calling his own number more.
Royal has scored 15 or more in his last four Big Ten games, averaging 18.8. He’ll take advantage of Purdue’s struggles to defend Inside. Royal is 25 for 35 in his last four conference games while going 0-for-9 from three.
Purdue vs Ohio State SGP
- Ohio State +6.5
- Bruce Thornton Over 19.5 points
- Devin Royal Over 14.5 points
Our beyond the arc SGP: Raining points
Cox has made seven of his last 17 attempts from three and has made two or more in three of the last five games. After taking 19 in back-to-back games, he’s taken a total of eight in the last three, and Purdue has lost two of them. The payout seems high compared to the likelihood, and we’re happy to take advantage.
If the Buckeyes are able to take advantage of Purdue inside, look for the Boilers to sag off of shooters and try to choke the paint. That will give Thornton, who has hit two or more treys in three of the last four, extra space to knock some down from outside.
Purdue vs Ohio State SGP
- Thornton Over 19.5 points
- Royal Over 14.5 points
- Cox Over 1.5 threes
- Thornton Over 1.5 threes
Purdue vs Ohio State odds
- Spread: Purdue -6.5 | Ohio State +6.5
- Moneyline: Purdue -345 | Ohio State +215
- Over/Under: Over 150.5 | Under 150.5
Purdue vs Ohio State betting trend to know
Purdue has only covered the Spread in 4 of their last 14 games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Purdue vs. Ohio State.
How to watch Purdue vs Ohio State
| Location | Value City Arena, Columbus, OH |
| Date | Sunday, March 1, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 1:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
Purdue vs Ohio 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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