The Cleveland State Vikings (2-3) meet the 23rd-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0) at St. John Arena. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, November 23, 2018.
Cleveland State Vikings vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Buckeyes easily got past the Samford Bulldogs, 68-50, while the Vikings were beaten by the Samford Bulldogs, 73-60.
Ohio State dominated every facet of the game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.365 (above their season average of 0.349) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.7 (below their season average of 31.5). Samford was 0.070 and 16.7, respectively, for those same stats. Cleveland State, meanwhile, held Samford to an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.4 (below their season average of 31.7). Kaleb Wesson fueled Ohio State with 19 points and seven rebounds. Stefan Kenic had a solid performance for Cleveland State, contributing 15 points and six rebounds.
Ohio State could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense squares off against one of the NCAA’s worst defenses. Dating back to last season, the Buckeyes rank 44th in offensive efficiency, while Cleveland State ranks 289th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, put-back points could be few and far between for the Vikings. They rank 328th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 23.3 percent, while the Buckeyes have been 59th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 74.3 percent).
Cleveland State Vikings vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Cleveland State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Ohio State ranks 29th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while Cleveland State ranks 298th (38.3).
- The Buckeyes rank 97th in blocks per game (3.8) while the Vikings rank 233rd (2.6).
- Ohio State is 15th in the NCAA with 4.9 steals allowed per game while Cleveland State is 43rd with 5.3 steals allowed per game.
- The Buckeyes rank 39th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while the Vikings rank 278th (15.0).
- Cleveland State ranks 65th in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while Ohio State ranks 245th (20.2).