The Ohio Bobcats will be at Alumni Arena to face the Buffalo Bulls in a Mid-American matchup. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Friday, Feb. 12 and can be seen on ESU and ES3.
The Bulls lost a close one to Toledo 71-69 on Tuesday. Nick Perkins was the game’s high scorer, finishing with 17 points. The Bobcats, meanwhile, are coming off a 72-69 win over Ball State on Tuesday. Antonio Campbell claimed his 11th double-double of the season with 26 points and 10 rebounds.
Over the last five games, Lamonte Bearden has been playing at a high level for the Bulls. During that stretch, he has averaged 15.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.2 steals.
The Bulls are attempting to build on their records of 14-10 Straight Up (SU) and 11-9-2 Against The Spread (ATS). The Bulls are an impressive shooting team from the line with 18.0 free throws made per game, one of the highest marks in Division I.
In the other locker room, Ohio has a SU record of 15-8 and an ATS record of 12-7. Ohio performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning a 7-3 record. They sport the 39th-ranked scoring offense in the country, averaging 75.9 points per game. Ohio is one of the top foul-shooting teams in the nation, making .751 of their shots from the line. Ohio may be taking trips to the free throw line early and often with the Bulls averaging 21.8 fouls per game, one of the highest marks in Division I.
This game marks the season’s first head-to-head clash between these conference rivals. Their previous game was a Bulls victory, but the win was not enough for them to overtake Ohio in their recent head-to-head series. Their record is now 2-8 SU over the last few meetings. The Bobcats also lead the matchup ATS with a record of 6-4. Neither team held the edge in field goals, rebounds, or three-pointers in a single game during this span.
Predictions: SU Winner – Buff, ATS Winner – Buff
Notes
Buffalo averages 76.2 points per game (ranked 96th). Ohio, on the other hand, allows 73.5 points per game (ranked 179th).
Buffalo scores 80.9 points per home game (ranked 63rd). Ohio ranks a poor 206th in points allowed on the road, allowing 78.8 points.
In its last game, Ohio won by a margin of three points. Buffalo is 1-2 in games decided by a margin of three points or less. Ohio has a 2-1 record in close games.
The Buffalo Bulls average 72.3 possessions per game and 1.054 points per possession, while the Ohio Bobcats earn fewer possessions (69.6) but more points per possession (1.106).
The Buffalo Bulls average an effective field goal percentage of 48.8% this season. The Ohio Bobcats have a subpar record of 5-8 when opponents have an eFG% of 48.8% or greater.
On average, Buffalo attempts 21.0 three pointers and Ohio attempts 20.0. Both teams have winning records when they have 20 or more three point attempts. The Buffalo Bulls sit at 12-4 and the Ohio Bobcats are 11-6.
Buffalo ranks 74th in offensive rebounding. When it comes to defensive rebounds, Ohio ranks 73rd.
On average, Buffalo makes 7.1 steals per game. Ohio has a solid 5-3 record when it gives up at least 7 steals.
