The fifth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1) will battle against the sixth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (8-2) at T-Mobile Arena. Action begins at 5:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Kentucky Wildcats ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Wildcats lost a winnable game to the Utah Runnin’ Utes, 69-66, while the Buckeyes had no trouble getting past the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, 80-48.
The Buckeyes, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.564, had an extraordinary mark of 0.716 and held the Redhawks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.8 (below their season average of 25.3). Kentucky, on the other hand, held Utah to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.0 (below their season average of 30.0). Ashton Hagans had a solid game for Kentucky with 16 points and eight assists. Ohio State was lifted by Kaleb Wesson, who had 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Points could be at a premium in this matchup between two of the country’s best defenses. Kentucky currently ranks 20th in defensive efficiency (86.6) and Ohio State is seventh (84.1). Moreover, the Buckeyes are among the country’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking 44th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.3 percent). The Wildcats, however, rank 34th at grabbing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.9 percent.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Kentucky Wildcats Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Ohio State ranks 105th in three pointers attempted per game (23.2) while Kentucky ranks 261st (15.3).
- The Buckeyes are 15th in the nation with 2.1 blocks allowed per game while the Wildcats are 45th with 2.6 blocks allowed per game.
- Kentucky is sixth in the nation with 4.2 steals allowed per game while Ohio State is seventh with 4.3 steals allowed per game.
- The Buckeyes rank 25th in rebounds per game (40.7) while the Wildcats rank 61st (38.7).
- Kentucky ranks 42nd in assists per game (15.4) while Ohio State ranks eighth in assists allowed per game (8.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 84.2 points per game (4.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (5.7 above their season average).
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.6, up from 15.2 for the season.
