It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Iowa Hawkeyes (8-5, 0-3 Big 10) welcome the Ohio State Buckeyes (11-4, 2-0 Big 10) to Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 4, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
Iowa is a 1-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 151.5 points.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Prediction
In the Buckeyes’ last contest, they beat the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 72-59. The Buckeyes made 18 of their 23 free throws (78.3 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 14.5 (better than their season average of 16.9). With 19 points on 6-for-18 shooting, Keita Bates-Diop was the top scorer from either team.
The Hawkeyes were beaten by the Michigan Wolverines in their last contest, 75-68. Michigan’s 14.0 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Iowa, who had a rate of 17.9. The Wolverines’ mark was worse than their season average of 13.2. With 28 points on 10-for-15 shooting, Tyler Cook was the game’s leading scorer.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the NCAA’s top rebounding teams clash. The Hawkeyes rank 37th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.5 percent), while Ohio State ranks 43rd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.3 percent).
Ohio State has an excellent 11-4 straight up (SU) record, but they have difficulty covering the spread (5-8 against the spread (ATS)). Games involving the Buckeyes tend to go under the projected point total (76.9 percent).
Iowa has a respectable 8-5 SU record, but they are just 5-5-2 ATS. Unlike Ohio State, Hawkeyes games tend to go over the total (58.3 percent).
After the Hawkeyes won the sole game against the Buckeyes last season, 85-72, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Hawkeyes had a better turnover percentage (11.0 vs. 14.5) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.578 vs. 0.484).
Ohio State Buckeyes at Iowa Hawkeyes Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Ohio State is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Iowa is 2-1-1 ATS at home with 2 overs and 2 unders.
Iowa ranks 137th in three pointers attempted per game (22.4) while Ohio State ranks 242nd in three pointers allowed per game (25.5).
The Hawkeyes rank 11th in rebounds per game (42.2) while the Buckeyes rank 113th (36.9).
Iowa ranks third in assists per game (20.6) while Ohio State ranks 103rd (14.9).
The Hawkeyes rank 24th in blocks per game (5.5) while the Buckeyes rank 90th (3.7).
Ohio State averages 6.3 steals per game, which ranks 117th in the nation. Iowa ranks 168th in steals allowed per game (7.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Ohio State is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Iowa is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Buckeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.2, up from 10.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hawkeyes have scored an average of 85.6 points per game (4.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
