NCAA Basketball Indiana Hoosiers vs Ohio State Buckeyes: Odds, Tips and Predictions 02/06/24

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Prediction: Bet Ohio State to cover

• Over/Under: Indiana vs Ohio State (144.5)
• Spread: Ohio State -5.5
• Pick: Bet Ohio State to cover

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These are two teams headed in the wrong direction. Both teams play with very little energy, and both teams have talent. The home team usually has an advantage in the Big ten and that could be the difference in this game. If either team wants to have a shot at making an NCAA tournament they will need to win this game.

Ohio State struggles to guard the perimeter, but Indiana doesn’t possess enough players outside to worry Ohio State too much.

Ohio State’s offense can defeat anyone on any night. Bruce Thornton has been outstanding this season, and alongside Roddy Gayle Jr., they form one of the greatest guard duos in all of college basketball.

Ohio State now ranks 40th nationally for offensive efficiency thanks to this powerful backcourt duo.

However, Ohio State has been on an unexpected midseason slide the last two seasons, suffering long losing streaks in conference play under head coach Chris Holtmann.

Indiana may not possess one of the highest perimeter scoring rates, but they know their limitations and strive to play to their strengths.

The Hoosiers shoot 32% from three-point range as a team but rarely attempt triples during games; only 27% of their shots come from outside the paint.

Indiana had no answers for Ace Baldwin Jr. of Penn State’s Nittany Lions; the Hoosier’s best perimeter defender, Xavier Johnson, was banged up and could not play. Johnson is a game-time decision for the Ohio State game.

Indiana has long relied on their inside scoring as their strength, with Malik Reneau and Kel’el Ware providing multiple options, allowing them to exploit mismatches effectively. Their 53% shooting inside the arc makes up much of their success as an offensive unit.

Indiana will need their big men to lead them offensively if they hope to pull off an upset on the road.

Indiana’s bigs may face an uphill struggle as Ohio State stands out with its rim protection defense, ranking 69th nationally at 2-point percentage defense.

The difference in this game will be guard play as I look for Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton to have a huge game in this one. Ohio State 77  Indiana 68.

Tip:

Ohio State to Cover

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