The Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-20, 2-14 Big 10) and the 23rd-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (18-9, 8-8 Big 10) battle at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The Cornhuskers look to snap their 12-game losing streak. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 27, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Cornhuskers were beaten by the Illinois Fighting Illini, 71-59, while the Buckeyes were victorious over the seventh-ranked Maryland Terrapins, 79-72.
Ohio State played a nearly flawless game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 38.2 (above their season average of 31.1) and a free throw rate of 0.426 (above their season average of 0.265). Maryland was 20.7 and 0.314, respectively, for those same stats. Nebraska, on the other hand, held Illinois to an effective field goal percentage of 0.430 (below their season average of 0.490). Nebraska rallied around Yvan Ouedraogo, who had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Luther Muhammad led the way for Ohio State, recording 22 points and five rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Kaleb Wesson led the Buckeyes to an 80-68 victory. He notched a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Ohio State’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Nebraska. The Buckeyes had a rate of 0.182, while the Cornhuskers posted a mark of 0.045.
The ineffective offense of Nebraska will battle against the stingy defense of Ohio State. The Cornhuskers rank 293rd in offensive efficiency, while the Buckeyes are 56th in defensive efficiency. The Buckeyes should have the advantage on that end of the court. Furthermore, the Buckeyes rank 54th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.271), while the Cornhuskers rank second in opponents’ FTA rate (0.139).
Ohio State Buckeyes at Nebraska Cornhuskers Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Ohio State ranks 32nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.6) while Nebraska ranks 287th (45.3).
- The Cornhuskers rank 107th in steals per game (6.7) while the Buckeyes rank 231st (4.9).
- Ohio State ranks 98th in blocks per game (3.4) while Nebraska ranks 177th in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
- The Buckeyes rank 34th in assists allowed per game (10.6) while the Cornhuskers rank 244th (15.1).
- Ohio State averages 23.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 108th in the NCAA. Nebraska ranks 285th in three pointers allowed per game (26.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 70.4 points per game (1.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (6.4 above their season average).
- The Cornhuskers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 15.2, up from 5.8 for the season.
