The No.2-seeded Arizona Wildcats (31-3) and No.10-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes (23-10) meet in the third round of the NCAA tournament at Moda Center – Portland, OR. Action begins at 5:15 pm ET on Saturday, Mar. 21.
The Wildcats come into this game hoping to repeat their last performance, dismantling Texas Southern 93-72 in the second round. T.J. McConnell was a key piece, recording his second double-double of the season with 10 points and five rebounds. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, are coming off a 75-72 win against Virginia Commonwealth in the second round. Jae`Sean Tate played well for Ohio State, recording 13 points, six rebounds, and two steals
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses, as Arizona currently ranks 17th in the nation in offensive efficiency and Ohio State is fifth in defensive efficiency. Also, the Buckeyes’s 16th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 114.1) will face off against the seventh-ranked defense of the Wildcats (defensive efficiency of 141.9).
Arizona is a nine-point favorite against Ohio State and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is currently unavailable. The Wildcats come into this game 32-3 Straight Up (SU) and 22-13 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have had success covering the spread (8-2). The Wildcats have made 611 free throws this season (18.0 per game), which leads the country. Arizona is one of the most disciplined teams in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.27.
As for their opponent, the Buckeyes have a record of 15-17-1 ATS and 24-10 SU. The Buckeyes are the better of the two teams when it comes to assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking 24th in Division I at 1.36.
This game will be the first meeting for Arizona and Ohio State in recent seasons.
Predictions: SU Winner – OSU, ATS Winner – OSU
Notes
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a defensive rating of 138.9, fifth-best in the country. The Arizona Wildcats have a top-tier offense with an offensive rating of 114.0 (ranked 17th).
The Arizona Wildcats average 67.1 possessions per game and 1.140 points per possession, while the Ohio State Buckeyes earn fewer possessions (66.4) but more points per possession (1.141).
The Ohio State Buckeyes average an effective field goal percentage of 54.5% this season. The Arizona Wildcats have a losing record of 1-2 when opponents have an eFG% of 54.5% or greater.
On average, Arizona attempts 14.1 three pointers and Ohio State attempts 18.3. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Arizona Wildcats are undefeated at 1-0 while the Ohio State Buckeyes have a solid 6-3 record.
The 24th-ranked team in the category, Ohio State has an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.36 this season. Arizona ranks 44th with an A/TO of 1.27.
Arizona ranks 46th in rebounds per game with 37.2 and Ohio State ranks 98th with 35.8 rebounds per game.
Ohio State ranks 130th in offensive rebounds, while Arizona ranks at 16th in defensive rebounds.
