The 21st-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (12-5, 2-4 Big 10) will be at the Bryce Jordan Center to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions (12-5, 2-4 Big 10) in a Big 10 matchup. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020, and will air on ESPNU.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Nittany Lions lost to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 75-69, while the Buckeyes defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 80-68.
The Buckeyes had a much better free throw rate (0.182 vs. 0.045) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.636 (above their season average of 0.533). Penn State, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 8.1 (better than their season average of 14.8). Penn State was lifted by Seth Lundy, who recorded 15 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Kaleb Wesson played a pivotal role for Ohio State with 13 points and 14 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Wesson led the Buckeyes to a 106-74 win. He notched a double-double with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Ohio State made good use of their 37 trips to the free throw line, making 30 of them (81.1 percent). Penn State, meanwhile, was just 14-20 (70.0 percent).
Contrasting tempos will be on display in this battle. Penn State likes to play fast (90th in possessions per game), while Ohio State is slower-paced (307th in possessions per game). Also, the Buckeyes rank 34th in effective field goal percentage (0.539), while the Nittany Lions rank 42nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.452).
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Penn State, ATS Winner – Penn State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Penn State ranks 31st in steals per game (8.6) while Ohio State ranks 229th (4.7).
- The Nittany Lions average 25.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 51st in the nation. The Buckeyes rank 112th in three pointers allowed per game (21.2).
- Penn State ranks ninth in blocks per game (6.0) while Ohio State ranks 59th (4.1).
- The Buckeyes rank 46th in rebounds allowed per game (32.3) while the Nittany Lions rank 238th (38.1).
- Ohio State ranks 19th in assists allowed per game (9.9) while Penn State ranks 97th (11.9).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Nittany Lions have scored an average of 71.6 points per game (5.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.0 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
- The Buckeyes have been outscored by an average of 4.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Ohio State has defeated opponents by an average of 13.9 points.
