The Minnesota Golden Gophers (14-7, 3-5 Big 10) take on the No. 22 Ohio State Buckeyes (16-4, 7-0 Big 10) at Madison Square Garden. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Free Prediction
In the Buckeyes’ last contest, they defeated the Northwestern Wildcats, 71-65. The Buckeyes knocked down 13 of their 17 free throws (76.5 percent) and held the Wildcats to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.2 (below their season average of 29.5). C.J. Jackson had a solid performance for Ohio State, recording 12 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
The Golden Gophers lost to the Maryland Terrapins in their last game, 77-66. Maryland’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Minnesota. The Terrapins had a rate of 0.422 (above their season average of 0.308), while the Golden Gophers posted a mark of 0.219 (below their season average of 0.275). Jordan Murphy put together a solid performance for Minnesota, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-17 shooting.
It will be a matchup of contrasting tempos as the fast-paced Golden Gophers (ranked 90th in the NCAA in possessions per game) will look to push the slower-paced Buckeyes (205th in possessions per game).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, the Buckeyes won 78-72. Ohio State did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (23-30; 76.7 percent). Minnesota, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.9 vs. 27.6).
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Ohio State ranks 41st in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while Minnesota ranks 216th (37.6).
The Buckeyes rank 32nd in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Golden Gophers rank 159th (4.8).
Ohio State averages 15.6 assists per game, which ranks 62nd in the nation. Minnesota ranks 189th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
The Golden Gophers rank 170th in three pointers allowed per game (22.8) while the Buckeyes rank 233rd (24.6).
Ohio State is 31st in the NCAA with 5.2 steals allowed per game while Minnesota is 44th with 5.4 steals allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Buckeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.4, up from 11.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Gophers have scored an average of 67.8 points per game (11.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.0 points per game (7.3 above their season average).
