The No. 15 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1) look to continue their six-game winning streak against the Youngstown State Penguins (4-8) at Value City Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.
Youngstown State Penguins at Ohio State Buckeyes ATS Prediction
In the Penguins’ last outing, they were defeated by the Pittsburgh Panthers, 69-53. Pittsburgh’s 0.236 free throw rate was their largest strength over Youngstown State, who had a rate of 0.134. Kendale Hampton led Youngstown State in scoring with 15 points on 4-for-11 shooting.
The Buckeyes defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats in their last game, 64-56. Ohio State’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Cincinnati. The Buckeyes had a rate of 0.511, while the Bearcats posted a mark of 0.323. Kaleb Wesson led Ohio State in scoring with 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting from the field.
Ohio State should have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Buckeyes currently rank 63rd in offensive efficiency, while the Penguins rank 291st in defensive efficiency. It will also be a battle of contrasting styles as the up-and-down Penguins rank 20th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Buckeyes rank 272nd.
Youngstown State vs. Ohio State Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Youngstown State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Youngstown State ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (30.4) while Ohio State ranks 217th (19.8).
The Buckeyes rank 34th in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while the Penguins rank 211th (37.9).
Ohio State ranks 49th in assists allowed per game (9.2) while Youngstown State ranks 146th (13.8).
The Buckeyes rank 20th in steals allowed per game (4.3) while the Penguins rank 90th (6.1).
Ohio State ranks 40th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Youngstown State ranks 89th (3.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Penguins’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.4, down from 4.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 79.4 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 57.6 points per game (4.3 below their season average).
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