| Michigan Odds | +1.5 |
| Ohio State Odds | -1.5 |
| Money line | +102 / -125 |
| Up down | 148.5 |
| Time | TV | Sunday, 1 pm ET | CBS |
| Odds starting on Saturday at 5 pm ET and via DraftKings. | |
I grew up in Ann Arbor and have been watching Wolverine basketball for most of my life. I’ve never seen a Michigan basketball team as talented as this one.
Unfortunately, and predictably, being among the Wolverines and a Big Ten title is one of Ohio State’s most talented teams in recent memory.
Incredible as it may be, I’m not sure Michigan has the offensive firepower to beat Ohio State on the road on Sunday afternoon. However, I’m also not sure if the state of Ohio is defensively skilled enough to remain competitive with the Wolverines in that regard.
Therefore, the most important confrontation in this game will be the attack of the state of Ohio against the defense of Michigan.
The winner of this battle is very difficult to predict. However, the stake in this game is in total.
The Showdown: Ohio State Offense vs. Michigan Defense
Recently, both Ohio’s attack and Michigan’s defense have been phenomenal.
For example, the state of Ohio is 3-1-1 over the past five games. Meanwhile, Michigan is 4-1 less in their last five games. The under also hit both Michigan games since his return to the game after a 24-day hiatus due to the COVID-19 protocols.
Michigan has the best defense in the Big Ten. He leads the conference in defensive efficiency, through KenPom, and also wins the conference in the fewest points allowed per game (62.8).
Meanwhile, Ohio is the second in the conference in offensive efficiency and a 2-point percentage, fourth in a 3-point percentage and the first in a free-throw percentage. In addition, the Buckeyes are scoring the third highest number of points per game in the Big Ten.
In terms of personnel, the state of Ohio carries out its crime through EJ Liddell and Duane Washington. The big guard combo is scoring a combined 30.4 points per game this season. Liddell adds 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, while Washington distributes three assists per game.
In a time when the small ball is dominant, Juwan Howard’s team is big and long. Michigan’s attacking court consists of Isaiah Livers, 1.80 m, Franz Wagner, 1.80 m and Hunter Dickinson, 2.13 m.
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s working.
Dickinson was a revelation in attack while being incredibly valuable to the Wolverines’ self-defense. In the last two games in Michigan, Dickinson has combined 23 rebounds and six blocks.
However, Wagner is the glue guy from Michigan. In addition to an average of 12 points and three assists in attack, he is a versatile defender who remains in all positions. Wagner also averages 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Simply put, it does everything.
PB:
Analysis and choice of bets
I believe that Michigan is the best team in the conference. Regardless of the outcome of this game, Michigan is expected to roll into the Big Ten championship and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.
However, Howard is 0-2 in a straight line (SU) and against the spread (ATS) against Buckeyes coach Chris Holtmann. In addition, Michigan may still be recovering from its long break from gambling. So it’s not a smart move to get Wolverines here.
Instead, I like bass at this location.
Ohio’s attack has been worse at home than on the road this season. The Buckeyes are 50th in the country in points per game, but only 92º in points per game at home.
Meanwhile, the Ohio State defense performed better at home. He is ranked 129th in points per game allowed in general, but 81th in points per game allowed at home. In fact, the Buckeyes are only allowing 63.6 points per game in Columbus this season.
Alternatively, Michigan’s already suffocating defense performs better on the road than at home. Michigan ranks 51st in points per game allowed, but 37th in points per game allowed on the road.
In addition, Michigan’s attack is much less efficient on the road, ranking 47th in points per game this season, but only 115th in points out per game.
All of which helps explain why Michigan is 4-1 for the under on the road, while Ohio State is 6-5 for the under at home, but 7-2-1 for the over on the road.
The under is 6-3 in the last nine times these two teams have played. In the Big Ten, 148.5 is a high enough number for me to sink.
So I’m betting on trends to continue Sunday afternoon in Columbus. I will play against 146 or more.
To choose: Below 148.5 (up to 146)