The Ohio State Buckeyes (5-1) and the Butler Bulldogs (4-2) clash in the Phil Knight Invitational – Motion at Memorial Coliseum. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 143 points with Butler opening as a 1.5-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Butler Bulldogs vs. Ohio State Buckeyes ATS Preview
In the Bulldogs last game, they edged the Portland State Vikings, 71-69. Tyler Wideman was the games leading scorer with 18 points on 9-for-10 shooting. Butlers 31.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Portland State, who had a mark of 30.3. The Bulldogs mark was above their season average of 25.5, while the Vikings was below their season average of 38.1.
The Buckeyes come in on a high note after beating the Stanford Cardinal in their last game, 79-71. Ohio States Keita Bates-Diop was a key piece with 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Buckeyes held the Cardinal to an effective field goal percentage of 0.410 (below their season average of 0.508) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (34.2 vs. 30.2).
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Ohio State. Dating back to last season, Ohio State ranks 223rd in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.3 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Butler has forced the 99th-most turnovers in the nation (20.0 percent).
Games involving these teams have typically gone under the O/U total. Butler games have gone under 60.0 percent of the time, while 100.0 percent of Ohio State games have finished under. The Buckeyes have the clear advantage straight up (SU) (5-1 vs. 4-2), but both teams have similar against the spread (ATS) records. Ohio State is 2-2, while Butler is 2-3 ATS.
Butler Bulldogs vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Bulldogs rank 154th in steals per game (6.2) while the Buckeyes rank 240th (5.2).
- Butler ranks 39th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Ohio State ranks 90th (3.1).
- Ohio State ranks 71st in rebounds per game (37.9) while Butler ranks 304th (32.0).
- The Bulldogs rank 125th in three pointers allowed per game (20.5) while the Buckeyes rank 292nd (24.2).
- Butler ranks 19th in assists allowed per game (10.9) while Ohio State ranks 131st (12.8).
