Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-2) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1)
The Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-2) face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1) in a Big Ten clash on Sunday night. Set in the iconic Value City Arena at 6:30 PM ET and broadcast on BTN, this matchup is not just a test of skill but also a significant event for NCAAB betting picks, with fans and bettors alike eagerly anticipating the outcome.
Minnesota Golden Gophers comes into this matchup looking to build on their 8-2-1 ATS record over the last 11 games. The Gophers have found offensive rhythm, scoring nearly 80 points per contest. However, defensive lapses have led to high-scoring shootouts. Minnesota allows over 70 points per game and will need to tighten up their interior defense against the talented Buckeyes.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have won five straight games and boast an impressive 80 points per game. Freshman guard Bruce Thornton has taken the reins of the offense seamlessly. However, Ohio State’s guards lack size and could struggle to contain Minnesota’s 6’11” center Dawson Garcia. If Ohio State can’t control the paint, they leave themselves vulnerable against a Minnesota team capable of getting hot from three.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 6:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Value City Arena |
| TV: | BTN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Dawson Garcia (Forward) vs. Bruce Thornton (Guard)
Dawson Garcia is a transfer forward from North Carolina averaging 18.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. His size gives Minnesota an interior presence on both ends. However, Garcia is shooting just 31.8% from three this year. He will need to either improve his outside shooting or dominate inside against Ohio State’s smaller guards.
Bruce Thornton is a freshman guard leading Ohio State with 18.3 points and 4.4 assists per game. He shoots efficiently from the field but at 6’2” could struggle defensively matching up with the 6’11” Dawson Garcia. For Ohio State to win, Thornton needs to control the pace and prevent Minnesota from getting clean looks inside.
This individual matchup will be key. If Garcia gets going inside, it could lead to a big night for Minnesota. But if Thornton finds his stroke from deep and speeds up the tempo, Ohio State has a major advantage at home. The game will likely be decided by which star freshman can exploit their edge.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: Ohio State Buckeyes -1373, Total Odds: 144
The oddsmakers have Ohio State as 13-point favorites playing at home. This big spread suggests bettors are confident in the Buckeyes maintaining their perfect 4-1 home record. The total is set at 144, expect an up-tempo game between two capable scoring teams.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Trends
Minnesota is hot against the spread lately, covering 8 of their last 11 games. This includes a 5-2 ATS record over the last 7 meetings with Ohio State. The Gophers also play scoring-heavy games, hitting the over in 10 of their previous 15 contests. With a leaky defense facing Ohio State’s potent offense, another high-scoring matchup could be likely.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends
The Buckeyes have also been strong against the number, going 9-4 ATS on the year. As home favorites under Chris Holtmann, Ohio State covers over 60% of the time. The total has gone under in 4 of their last 6 matchups against Minnesota. And Ohio State plays lockdown defense at home, holding opponents under 70 points per game this season at Value City Arena.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes 12/3/23 Betting Picks
Our analysis shows advantages for both teams, making this Big Ten showdown tricky to predict. Minnesota has the size to exploit Ohio State inside, while the Buckeyes have the quickness and perimeter scoring to spread the Gophers thin. With conflicting betting trends, there are solid cases for either side against the spread.
But at 13 points, the line feels a bit inflated given Minnesota’s versatility. Consider taking the Gophers plus the points. Neither team has a major advantage that warrants such a large spread. And with the top live betting website, fans can capitalize on in-game lines and props. This matchup is likely to bring scoring runs both ways rather than a blowout by the Buckeyes.
Free Pick and Prediction: Ohio State Buckeyes 81, Minnesota Golden Gophers 72
