Ohio State Buckeyes (15-11) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers (16-9)
February 22, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Minnesota Golden Gophers -3.5; Over/Under: +139.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Ohio State Buckeyes will play the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten game on Thursday night at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ohio State has won two of their last three games, while Minnesota has lost two of their last three. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Ohio State vs Minnesota prediction.
Ohio State Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes are 15-11 (5-10) this year after they defeated Purdue by a score of 73-69 in their last game. Ohio State led 35-30 at halftime and they were able to hang on in the second half for the win. The Buckeyes shot 48.3% from the field and were -13 in rebounding margin in the game. Ohio State lost to Wisconsin by a score of 62-54 in the game prior to Purdue, but did beat Maryland before that. The Buckeyes are scoring 74.4 points per game with 36.4 rebounds per game and 13.8 assists per game, while allowing 69.7 points against per game this year. Bruce Thornton is averaging 16.1 points per game, 3.3 rebounds per game, and 4.2 assists per game. Ohio State is shooting 44.6% from the field, 76.5% on free throws, and 33.9% on three pointers this season. Ohio State will take on Michigan State, Nebraska, and Michigan after this one.
Minnesota Preview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 16-9 (7-7) this season after they defeated Rutgers by a score of 81-70 in their last game. Minnesota was tied at 37 at halftime, but they scored 44 second half points for the win. The Golden Gophers shot 51% from the field and made 23 free throws in the game. Minnesota lost to Purdue by a score of 84-76 and Iowa by a score of 90-85 in the two games prior to Rutgers. The Golden Gophers are scoring 76.3 points per game with 36.4 rebounds per game and 18.5 assists per game, while giving up 69.3 points against per game this season. Dawson Garcia is averaging 17.5 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game, and 2.0 assists per game. Minnesota is shooting 47.5% from the field, 68.2% on free throws, and 35.7% on three pointers this year.
Ohio State vs Minnesota Betting Prediction
Ohio State has had a very tough season that included a recent coaching change, but they have won two of their last three games and just beat Purdue in their last game. Minnesota has lost two of their last three games, but they are 4-2 at home in Big Ten play. The Golden Gophers are the better offensive team in this matchup and they still have a shot at the tournament, so they cannot afford to lose this game. Ohio State is 0-7 on the road in conference play and I can’t back them in a spot like this. Take Minnesota at home.
