Big Ten Basketball: No. 16 Ohio State Takes on Michigan as Surprising Underdogs
No. 16 Ohio State faces Michigan in a crucial Big Ten basketball matchup. The Buckeyes enter as 2.5-point underdogs despite their higher ranking, likely due to Michigan's recent impressive 82-58 win over No. 3 Purdue.
Ohio State Buckeyes (14-6):
- Coming off a close 66-64 loss to Rutgers
- Efficient offense shooting 37.8% from three-point range
- Led by E.J. Liddell averaging 19.7 points per game
- Need win to maintain ranking and improve conference record
Michigan Wolverines:
- Strong defense allowing only 67.82 points per game
- Averaging 72.82 points per game offensively
- Shooting 35.45% from three-point range
- Must contain Liddell to have success
Betting Analysis:
- Michigan favored by 2.5 points
- Over/under set at 141 points
- Buckeyes 6-4 vs Wolverines in last 10 meetings
- Ohio State 4-1 ATS in last five games
Key Factors:
- Michigan's defensive focus on limiting Liddell
- Ohio State's three-point shooting advantage
- Michigan's momentum after Purdue upset
- Recent head-to-head history favors Buckeyes
The close spread makes this essentially a pick'em game, with Ohio State holding a slight edge based on recent performance and head-to-head history.
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