It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Ohio State Buckeyes (12-6, 2-5 Big 10) welcome the Minnesota Golden Gophers (10-8, 4-4 Big 10) to Value City Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Prediction
The last time the Golden Gophers played, they were defeated by the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 64-56. Rutgers’ rebounding was their biggest strength. The Scarlet Knights had 20 offensive rebounds and 45 total rebounds, while the Golden Gophers had 13 and 35, respectively. Daniel Oturu was the game’s leading scorer with 19 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
The Buckeyes fell to the Penn State Nittany Lions in their last contest, 90-76. Penn State’s 13.1 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Ohio State, who had a rate of 16.3. The Nittany Lions’ mark was better than their season average of 14.5. Ohio State’s Kaleb Wesson put up 19 points and five rebounds in the contest.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Ohio State ranks 291st in possessions per game (67.0) and Minnesota is 263rd (68.0).
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Marcus Carr scored a game-high 35 points in the first matchup, in which the Golden Gophers defeated the Buckeyes 84-71. He also had seven assists. Minnesota had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.3 vs. 27.5). Ohio State, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (16.6 vs. 19.6).
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Minnesota ranks 32nd in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while Ohio State ranks 117th (21.1).
The Golden Gophers have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 6.1 points.
During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 64.4 points per game (9.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (8.8 above their season average).
