The Ohio State Buckeyes (14-4, 5-0 Big 10) travel to Rutgers to take on the Scarlet Knights (11-7, 1-4 Big 10) in a matchup that pits great offense against exceptional defense. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 14, 2018.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Prediction
The last time the Buckeyes played, they thoroughly outplayed the Maryland Terrapins, 91-69. Ohio State made 17 of their 29 three pointers (58.6 percent). Maryland, on the other hand, held the Buckeyes to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.2 (below their season average of 29.5). With 26 points on 10-for-15 shooting, Keita Bates-Diop was the top scorer from either team.
The Scarlet Knights fell to the No. 4 Michigan State Spartans in their last game, 76-72. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Michigan State’s largest strengths. They had 34 free throw attempts, while Rutgers had just 15. Corey Sanders put together a solid performance for Rutgers, leading both teams in scoring with 22 points on 9-for-23 shooting.
Rutgers might have difficulty putting up points as they clash against one of the nation’s best defenses. Ohio State currently ranks 79th in defensive efficiency while the Scarlet Knights rank 259th in offensive efficiency.
Ohio State comes into the contest with records of 14-4 straight up (SU) and 8-8 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to place the total high when the Buckeyes are involved, as 68.8 percent of their games have gone under the total.
Meanwhile, Rutgers owns records of 11-7 SU and 7-2-1 ATS. Games featuring the Scarlet Knights also tend to go under the total (60.0 percent).
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, the Scarlet Knights won 66-57. Rutgers out-rebounded Ohio State. The Scarlet Knights had more offensive rebounds (19 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (28 vs. 24) and total rebounds (47 vs. 31).
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Ohio State is 3-3 ATS on the road with 3 overs and 3 unders.
Rutgers is 6-0-1 ATS at home with 5 unders and 2 overs.
Ohio State ranks 19th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Rutgers ranks 151st (4.6).
The Scarlet Knights rank 99th in three pointers allowed per game (21.1) while the Buckeyes rank 226th (24.8).
Rutgers ranks third in rebounds per game (42.4) while Ohio State ranks 120th (36.6).
The Scarlet Knights rank 45th in steals per game (7.7) while the Buckeyes rank 137th (6.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Ohio State is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Rutgers is 2-1 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Buckeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.6, down from 11.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have scored an average of 63.6 points per game (6.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.6 points per game (8.9 above their season average).
