Expect a defensive struggle when the Ohio State Buckeyes (13-6, 3-5 Big 10) meet the fifth-ranked Michigan Wolverines (19-1, 8-1 Big 10) at Crisler Center. The game will air on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 29, 2019.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Wolverines ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Wolverines dismantled the 25th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers 69-46, while the Buckeyes were victorious over the Nebraska Cornhuskers 70-60.
Ohio State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 36.8 (above their season average of 28.6) and a free throw rate of 0.224 (below their season average of 0.281). For those same stats, Nebraska was 18.4 and 0.172, respectively. Meanwhile, Michigan’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Indiana. The Wolverines had a rate of 0.517 (below their season average of 0.526), while the Hoosiers posted a mark of 0.302 (below their season average of 0.551). Ignas Brazdeikis had a good outing for Michigan, recording 20 points and seven rebounds. Ohio State rallied around Luther Muhammad, who contributed 24 points and six rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the most recent matchup, the Wolverines won 74-62. Michigan’s 0.327 free throw rate was their largest strength over Ohio State, who had a rate of 0.155. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Michigan ranks 343rd in possessions per game (65.1) and Ohio State is 268th (67.9). Also, the Buckeyes are among the nation’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 49th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.278). The Wolverines, however, rank second at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.142.
Ohio State at Michigan Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Michigan ranks 39th in blocks per game (4.4) while Ohio State ranks 165th (2.4).
- The Wolverines are eighth in the nation with 9.7 assists allowed per game while the Buckeyes are 20th with 10.6 assists allowed per game.
- The Wolverines lead the NCAA with 16.1 three pointers allowed per game while the Buckeyes are 58th with 20.2 three pointers allowed per game.
- Michigan ranks first in steals allowed per game (3.5) while Ohio State ranks 52nd (5.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Buckeyes have been outscored by an average of 5.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Ohio State has defeated opponents by an average of 9.0 points.
- During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.2 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
