It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the No. 21 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-5, 1-4 Big 10) welcome the Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-9, 2-3 Big 10) to Value City Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 14, 2020.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio State Buckeyes ATS Prediction
The last time the Cornhuskers played, they were defeated by the Northwestern Wildcats, 62-57. Northwestern’s 0.476 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Nebraska, who had a mark of 0.381. The Wildcats’ mark was below their season average of 0.479, while the Cornhuskers’ was below their season average of 0.494. Cam Mack led Nebraska in scoring with 11 points on 4-for-13 shooting.
The Buckeyes were beaten by the Indiana Hoosiers in their last contest, 66-54. Getting to the free throw line was one of Indiana’s largest strengths. They made 36 trips to the line, while Ohio State went just 19 times. With 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting, Andre Wesson led Ohio State in scoring.
After the Buckeyes won the only game against the Cornhuskers last season, 70-60, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Buckeyes had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.8 vs. 18.4) and had a better free throw rate (0.224 vs. 0.172).
The offensive glass should be a huge advantage for Ohio State in this showdown. The Buckeyes currently rank 53rd in offensive rebounding percentage (33.1 percent), while Nebraska ranks 344th in defensive rebounding percentage (64.8 percent). It will also be a matchup of opposite paces as the fast-breaking Cornhuskers rank 41st in possessions per game, while the more methodical Buckeyes rank 306th.
Nebraska at Ohio State Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Ohio State averages 39.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 42nd in the country. Nebraska ranks 277th in rebounds allowed per game (47.1).
The Buckeyes rank 104th in three pointers attempted per game (23.2) while the Cornhuskers rank 254th in three pointers allowed per game (26.3).
Ohio State ranks 17th in assists allowed per game (9.6) while Nebraska ranks 149th (13.2).
The Buckeyes rank 25th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Cornhuskers rank 143rd (4.7).
Ohio State ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Nebraska ranks 36th (5.5).
The Cornhuskers have outscored opponents by an average of 0.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Nebraska has lost by an average of 1.3 points.
During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 59.2 points per game (14.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.2 points per game (5.8 above their season average).
