The 22nd-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers (10-1) clash against the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Action starts at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 29, 2019.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Buckeyes defeated the sixth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats 71-65, while the Mountaineers beat the Youngstown State Penguins 75-64.
The Mountaineers forced 16 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.508 (above their season average of 0.482). The Buckeyes, meanwhile, made 21 of their 27 free throws (77.8 percent) and held the Wildcats to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.7 (below their season average of 31.5). Ohio State was led by D.J. Carton, who had 15 points and five rebounds. Oscar Tshiebwe played a pivotal role for West Virginia with 19 points and seven rebounds.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Ohio State takes on the stingy defense of West Virginia. The Buckeyes rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Mountaineers are 23rd in defensive efficiency.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Ohio State ranks 11th in steals allowed per game (4.5) while West Virginia ranks 145th (7.5).
- The Buckeyes rank 39th in assists per game (15.8) while the Mountaineers rank 81st (14.2).
- West Virginia blocks 4.5 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 38th in the nation. Ohio State ranks 18th in blocks allowed per game (2.2).
- The Buckeyes rank 108th in three pointers attempted per game (22.8) while the Mountaineers rank 235th (17.5).
- Ohio State averages 40.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 35th in the nation. West Virginia ranks 95th in rebounds allowed per game (33.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Buckeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.4, down from 21.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Mountaineers have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (3.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.0 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
