The Buffalo Bulls (15-5, 7-0 MAC) and the Ohio Bobcats (9-10, 2-5 MAC), who both like to play up-tempo, will square off at Convocation Center. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, January 26, 2018.
Buffalo is a 7-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 159 points.
Buffalo Bulls vs. Ohio Bobcats ATS Prediction
The Bulls will be looking for a similar result after beating the Eastern Michigan Eagles in their last game, 83-69. The Bulls knocked down 27 of their 36 free throws (75.0 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.9 (above their season average of 32.1). With 22 points on 6-for-12 shooting, Jeremy Harris was the game’s high scorer.
In the Bobcats’ last matchup, they lost a close one to the Akron Zips, 71-68. Akron’s 32.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Ohio, who had a mark of 27.6. The Zips’ mark was above their season average of 28.4. Gavin Block had a good performance for Ohio, leading both teams in scoring with 18 points on 6-for-14 shooting.
There could be a fair amount of transition offense in this matchup that features a pair of the nation’s more fast-paced teams. Ohio currently ranks 43rd in possessions per game (73.5) and Buffalo is 18th (74.9).
Buffalo heads into the game with records of 15-5 straight up (SU) and 11-5-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total low when the Bulls are involved, as 58.8 percent of their games have ended over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Ohio owns records of 9-10 SU and 5-7-2 ATS. Games featuring the Bobcats have no tendency in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Nick Perkins and Harris have been playing well over the last five games for Buffalo. Perkins has averaged 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Not to be outdone, Harris has recorded 17.4 points and 5.6 rebounds a game during that span.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, the Bulls won 83-79. Buffalo had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.623 vs. 0.478). Ohio, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (14.5 vs. 22.2).
Buffalo Bulls vs. Ohio Bobcats Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Buffalo, ATS Winner – Buffalo, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Buffalo is 7-3 ATS on the road with 6 overs and 4 unders.
Ohio is 2-3 ATS at home with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Buffalo ranks 19th in three pointers attempted per game (27.9) while Ohio ranks 227th in three pointers allowed per game (24.3).
The Bulls rank 43rd in rebounds per game (39.1) while the Bobcats rank 251st in rebounds allowed per game (38.5).
Buffalo ranks 29th in assists per game (16.9) while Ohio ranks 133rd (13.9).
The Bobcats average 3.3 blocks per game, which ranks 113th in the nation. The Bulls rank 150th in blocks allowed per game (4.2).
Ohio ranks 45th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Buffalo ranks 74th (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Buffalo is 4-0-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Ohio is 1-3-1 ATS with 5 unders over their last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 18.0, up from 7.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bobcats have scored an average of 66.8 points per game (7.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
