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Ohio State Buckeyes will take on Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a Big Ten conference matchup on Thursday night. The Buckeyes are 6-2 for the season and will look to finish strong in the conference this season.
The Knights are 6-2 for the season as well and have looked razor sharp so far this season, waiting to pounce on any opportunity that might come their way. They defeated Indiana Hoosiers in their last game and managed to cover the spread as three-point underdogs. The Buckeyes defeated St. Francis (PA) Red Flash in their last game and managed to cover the spread as 29-point favorites.
Rutgers vs Ohio State Betting Odds
Rutgers vs Ohio State Match Details
Fixture: Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio State Buckeyes
Date and Time: Thursday, December 8 at 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Rutgers vs Ohio State Key Stats
The Scarlet Knights are confident going into this stern away test. After suffering a discouraging 68-61 away loss to Miami Ohio on Wednesday, they bounced back to defeat No. 10 Indiana 63-48 at home on Saturday to open conference play.
If they win, the Scarlet Knights, who are now ranked 30th among DI programs nationally, should move up into the AP Top 25. In their lone real away game, Miami Florida defeated Rutgers. They need to increase their team's field goal efficiency, which is now 42.2%, as they are scoring 73.1 points on average. The Scarlet Knights' defense is top-notch as they allow a mere 54.1 points.
The No. 25 Buckeyes have won three of their last four games coming into Big Ten action. The Buckeyes have picked up a couple of impressive wins, including ones over Texas Tech and Cincinnati (80-73). They suffered a loss to the Blue Devils last Wednesday. Brice Sensabaugh scored just four points against Duke before coming up with 15 points on Saturday. The rookie forward has had a solitary 20-point game this year.
After their loss to Duke, the Buckeyes maintained their rank in this week's AP Top 25, which places them 20th in the nation at this level, according to Ken Pomeroy's rankings. Though they have a perfect home record, the Buckeyes are yet to host a powerful conference opponent.
Rutgers vs Ohio State Betting Prediction
The Scarlet Knights are a club that relies heavily on defense, but the Buckeyes' defense is no mug, and they are by far the superior offensive team. While Ohio State averages 117.2 points for every 100 possessions, the Knights are averaging 105.4 points per game.
Since the Buckeyes' defense only ever allow opponents a miserly 27.7% from three-point range, the Scarlet Knights will find the going tough tonight. Bet on the Buckeyes to win and cover the spread.
Pick: Buckeyes -6 (-110)
