The No. 16 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-2, 2-1 Big 10) look to continue their six-game winning streak against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-6, 0-3 Big 10) at Louis Brown Athletic Center. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Free Prediction
The Buckeyes come in on a high note after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats in their last contest, 64-56. Ohio State’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Cincinnati. The Buckeyes had a rate of 0.511, while the Bearcats posted a mark of 0.323. With 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting, Kaleb Wesson led Ohio State in scoring.
In the Scarlet Knights’ previous game, they dismantled the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights, 90-55. The Scarlet Knights had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.631 vs. 0.397) and had a better free throw rate (0.123 vs. 0.079). With 14 points and 10 rebounds, Eugene Omoruyi had a good game for Rutgers.
The ineffective offense of Rutgers (274th in the country with an offensive efficiency of 100.1) will clash against the stingy defense of Ohio State (59th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 93.7). The Buckeyes figure to have the edge on that side of the ball. Moreover, the Buckeyes rank 16th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.315), while the Scarlet Knights rank 24th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.172).
After the Buckeyes won both contests against the Scarlet Knights last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, Ohio State won 79-52. Ohio State had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.670 vs. 0.426). Rutgers, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.111 vs. 0.071).
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Rutgers ranks 30th in blocks per game (4.8) while Ohio State ranks 115th (3.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Buckeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.8, up from 14.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (4.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 57.0 points per game (7.1 below their season average).
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