Expect a defensive struggle when the 16th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (12-2, 2-1 Big 10) clash against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-6, 0-3 Big 10) at Louis Brown Athletic Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Rutgers Scarlet Knights ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Scarlet Knights won big over the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 90-55, while the Buckeyes defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 64-56.
The Buckeyes had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.511 vs. 0.323) and had a better free throw rate (0.340 vs. 0.258). The Scarlet Knights, meanwhile, had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.631 vs. 0.397) and had a better free throw rate (0.123 vs. 0.079). Rutgers’ Eugene Omoruyi had a good outing, putting up 14 points and 10 rebounds. Kaleb Wesson, meanwhile played a key role for Ohio State with 15 points and seven rebounds.
The Buckeyes dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both games. In the last game, Ohio State won 79-52. Ohio State’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Rutgers. The Buckeyes had a rate of 0.670 while the Scarlet Knights posted a mark of 0.426. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Rutgers might have a tough time finding the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the nation’s best defenses. Ohio State currently ranks 59th in defensive efficiency while the Scarlet Knights rank 274th in offensive efficiency. Additionally, the Buckeyes, who rank 16th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.315), will face a difficult challenge against the Scarlet Knights, who rank 24th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.172).
Ohio State at Rutgers Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Rutgers, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Rutgers ranks 27th in rebounds per game (40.6) while Ohio State ranks 143rd (36.1).
- The Buckeyes rank 15th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while the Scarlet Knights rank 76th (6.1).
- The Buckeyes rank 42nd in assists per game (16.1) while the Scarlet Knights rank 145th (13.2).
- Rutgers ranks 30th in blocks per game (4.8) while Ohio State ranks 115th (3.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 79.4 points per game (1.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 57.6 points per game (6.0 below their season average).
- The Scarlet Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.4, up from 4.5 for the season.
