The undefeated sixth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0) try to remain unbeaten when they meet the Penn State Nittany Lions (7-1) at Value City Arena. The game gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 7, 2019.
Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Odds
Both teams thoroughly outplayed their last opponent. The Buckeyes defeated the seventh-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels 74-49, while the Nittany Lions beat the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 76-54.
Penn State played a nearly flawless game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 42.5 (above their season average of 33.9) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.478 (below their season average of 0.522). Wake Forest was 22.2 and 0.328, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Ohio State played a nearly flawless game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.554 (below their season average of 0.565) and a free throw rate of 0.214 (below their season average of 0.271). For those same stats, North Carolina was 0.331 and 0.129, respectively. Duane Washington Jr. had a good game for Ohio State, contributing 18 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Mike Watkins played a key role for Penn State with seven points, 16 rebounds and five blocks.
The Buckeyes won the only game between these two teams last season, 74-70. Ohio State did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (23-29; 79.3 percent). Penn State, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (13.9 vs. 24.1).
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Ohio State should have a noteworthy edge. Dating back to the 2018-19 season, the Buckeyes defense ranks 45th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.462), while the Penn State offense ranks 270th in effective field goal percentage (0.484).
Penn State vs. Ohio State Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Penn State ranks 31st in steals per game (8.2) while Ohio State ranks 223rd (5.7).
- The Buckeyes rank 49th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while the Nittany Lions rank 92nd (12.0).
- Penn State ranks 62nd in rebounds per game (38.1) while Ohio State ranks 78th in rebounds allowed per game (33.3).
- The Nittany Lions rank 50th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Buckeyes rank 195th (2.7).
- Penn State ranks 15th in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while Ohio State ranks 102nd (20.9).