College basketball fans are in for an exciting night as the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers in Madison this evening at 9 PM ET. This match marks a significant encounter between two teams with contrasting recent performances. The Badgers have dominated their last five meetings with the Buckeyes, except for Ohio State's triumph in the first round of the 2023 Big Ten Tournament. Prior to this showdown, the night features several other thrilling matchups, including Illinois vs. Indiana and Georgetown vs. St. John’s.

The Buckeyes enter tonight's game after a disheartening 73-71 loss to No. 15 Oregon. Despite leading for most of the game, they faltered in the final moments, allowing Oregon to outscore them by five points in the last three minutes. Head coach Jake Diebler highlighted defensive issues as a key factor in the defeat, emphasizing the team's struggle with ball screen coverage and execution in crucial moments.

In contrast, the Badgers have been on a roll, winning five consecutive games since a mid-December slump. Tonight's contest could be monumental for Wisconsin, as it might mark head coach Greg Gard's 200th career victory. Currently ranked No. 24 in the latest AP poll, the Badgers boast a record of 13-3 (3-2 Big Ten). Their success can be attributed to exceptional free throw shooting and dominant rebounding. Notably, despite losing guard Max Klesmit to an ankle injury, the team has continued its winning streak.

Wisconsin's prowess at the free throw line is particularly noteworthy, boasting the best D-I free throw percentage in the nation at 85.1%. Additionally, they have outrebounded their opponents in each of their last five victories, showcasing their strength on the boards. The absence of Klesmit remains uncertain, but Coach Gard expressed optimism about his recovery progress.

This evening's matchup promises to be a pivotal moment in both teams' seasons. Ohio State will look to break the Badgers' winning streak and secure a crucial Big Ten victory, while Wisconsin aims to extend its dominance and inch closer to a historic milestone for their coach. Fans can catch all the action on Peacock, with pregame coverage starting at 6:30 PM ET.