The No. 5 Michigan Wolverines (19-1, 8-1 Big 10) will try to prolong their 13-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes (13-6, 3-5 Big 10) at Crisler Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Prediction
In the Buckeyes’ last outing, they beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 70-60. The Buckeyes, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.6, had a ridiculous mark of 36.8, while the Cornhuskers had a free throw rate of 0.172 (below their season average of 0.248). Ohio State was led by Luther Muhammad, who was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
The Wolverines won big over the No. 25 Indiana Hoosiers in their last outing, 69-46. Michigan held the Hoosiers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.302 (below their season average of 0.551). Indiana, meanwhile, held the Wolverines to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.6 (below their season average of 27.8). Ignas Brazdeikis was the game’s top scorer with 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, the Wolverines won 74-62. The Wolverines made 17 of their 24 free throws (70.8 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (10.1 vs. 17.4).
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the country’s slowest-paced teams square off. Michigan currently ranks 343rd in possessions per game (65.1) and Ohio State is 268th (67.9). Furthermore, the Buckeyes are among the NCAA’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 49th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.278). The Wolverines, however, rank second in opponents’ FTA rate (0.142).
Ohio State at Michigan ATS Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Michigan, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Michigan ranks 39th in blocks per game (4.4) while Ohio State ranks 165th (2.4).
The Wolverines allow the fewest three pointers per game (16.1) while the Buckeyes rank 58th (20.2).
Michigan ranks first in steals allowed per game (3.5) while Ohio State ranks 52nd (5.6).
The Wolverines are eighth in the NCAA with 9.7 assists allowed per game while the Buckeyes are 20th with 10.6 assists allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Buckeyes have been outscored by an average of 5.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Ohio State has defeated opponents by an average of 9.0 points.
During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.2 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
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