The Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-20, 2-14 Big 10) will try to put an end to their 12-game losing streak when they take on the No. 23 Ohio State Buckeyes (18-9, 8-8 Big 10) at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 27, 2020.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Free Prediction
In the Buckeyes’ last contest, they beat the No. 7 Maryland Terrapins, 79-72. The Buckeyes had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 38.2 (above their season average of 31.1) and had a free throw rate of 0.426 (above their season average of 0.265). Ohio State was lifted by Luther Muhammad, who was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points on 5-for-11 shooting.
The Cornhuskers were beaten by the Illinois Fighting Illini in their last outing, 71-59. Illinois’ rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Fighting Illini had more offensive rebounds (19 vs. six) and total rebounds (48 vs. 35). With 11 points and 10 rebounds, Yvan Ouedraogo had a good game for Nebraska.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, Kaleb Wesson had 13 points and 14 rebounds and the Buckeyes defeated the Cornhuskers 80-68. Ohio State had a much better free throw rate (0.182 vs. 0.045). Nebraska, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (11.7 vs. 16.3).
Nebraska might struggle to put up points as they face off against one of the nation’s best defenses. Ohio State ranks 56th in defensive efficiency while the Cornhuskers rank 293rd in offensive efficiency. Also, the Buckeyes, who rank 54th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.271), will face a difficult test against the Cornhuskers, who rank second in opponents’ FTA rate (0.139).
Ohio State vs. Nebraska Odds Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Ohio State ranks 32nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.6) while Nebraska ranks 287th (45.3).
The Buckeyes rank 34th in assists allowed per game (10.6) while the Cornhuskers rank 244th (15.1).
Ohio State ranks 108th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while Nebraska ranks 285th in three pointers allowed per game (26.0).
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’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.4, down from 9.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cornhuskers have scored an average of 66.0 points per game (4.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 81.2 points per game (4.7 above their season average).