Iowa Ohio State Basketball Odds
Posted by Jack Jones - Google+
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Scheduled for 6:30PM EST on Tuesday we see the Ohio State Buckeyes (13-4) host the Iowa Hawkeyes (13-5) at Value City Arena. The Buckeyes aim to win their 4th in a row at home, while the Hawkeyes are looking to beat their first ranked opponent this season. Oddsmakers currently have Ohio State favored by 11-points over Iowa.
Why Iowa Covers:
For Iowa to extend their win streak to three in a row they have to continue to challenge teams on offense. They are 20th in the country limiting opponents too 28.7% from beyond the ark, and 38.4% from everywhere else (28th). Two very important things they need to do in this game. Conversely they are well rounded on offense too, ranking 51st in the country scoring 73.9 points per game. Much of this success is from their ability to find open looks. As a team they combine to average 16.5 assists per game (16th in the country), with freshman guard Anthony Clemmons leading the way with 4.1 APG, 7th best in the Big Ten. For the Hawkeyes to win their first game against a ranked opponent this season they will have to control the pace and slow down this game. Getting not only the Buckeyes off their game, but the crowd out of it too.
Why Ohio State Covers:
Ohio State plays their best basketball at Value City Arena. In their last home game they handed #2 ranked Michigan their first loss of the season. Much of their success can be attributed to their points per possession ranking. They are 10th limiting opponents too 0.87 points on defense each time down the floor, while scoring an average of 1.11 points per possession on offense (26th). This is a team that thrives off ball control, and leading the way is junior Deshaun Thomas. He leads the Big Ten conference scoring 20.7 points per game and looks unstoppable at this point in the season. If he is on his game the Buckeyes should have no problem improving to 6-0 at home against Iowa since 2007. While slumping the Hawkeyes too 0-4 against ranked opponents this season.
My Prediction:
Ohio State is ranked in the top 25 for a reason. They are 10-1 at home this season and should easily improve too 11-1 after this. Buckeyes prove to much for the Hawkeyes; winning at home 76-66.
