Ohio State vs Michigan Odds, College Basketball Picks
| Ohio State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 146 -110o / -110u | +100 |
| Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 146 -110o / -110u | -120 |
We have some day basketball on Monday! That means it's time for Ohio State vs. Michigan odds and a pick, including a college basketball betting guide for Monday, Jan. 15.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State is similar to Michigan. It's an offensive-laden squad with defensive issues. The biggest difference? The Buckeyes put forth a solid effort on the glass on both ends, while Michigan regularly gets destroyed.
The first shot doesn't have to be the best when a team ranks in the top 20 in offensive rebounding percentage. Michigan is a bottom-tier defensive rebounding team in the Big Ten, so OSU's chops on the offensive glass will matter.
Third-leading scorer Roddy Gayle Jr. put up nine points in each of Ohio State's past two games — both losses. The sensational sophomore can drop 20+ in any outing, but his recent struggles have caused major issues for the offense.
Moreover, star guard Bruce Thornton scored 21 total points in the two losses.
The two budding sophomores can't both have off games on the same night if Ohio State wants to win, as the team relies too heavily on them.
The Buckeyes scored less than 65 points in both recent losses, and that's not the formula of Ohio State basketball.
Don't expect the Buckeyes to fly up and down the court like Arizona — they rank 286th nationally in tempo — but the team is usually hyper-efficient from the field. That was far from the case against Wisconsin earlier this week.
That must change against a scuffling Michigan squad, which needs a win in the worst way.
Michigan Wolverines
For more reasons than one, Michigan fans are thankful this game is happening at home.
First, Michigan is not good on the road. On the other hand, star guard Dug McDaniel is serving a six-game road suspension for an unspecified reason. While serving a road-game-only suspension is totally unprecedented, it makes the Wolverines vastly more dangerous at home.
McDaniel is bar-none the Wolverines' most threatening player, averaging 17.8 points and 5.1 dimes per contest.
The biggest obstacle for Michigan is its defense, as it ranks 149th in Defensive Efficiency. It feels like the lack of success comes from communication and effort issues. The numbers prove it too, as Michigan allows opponents to shoot 35% from downtown.
Oftentimes, when teams can't defend the 3, it comes from a lack of connectivity and defensive rotations. That's all communication-based.
While Michigan can't get stops, its offense is the exact opposite (38th in Offensive Efficiency). Michigan wants to shoot a lot of 3s, and it typically works (38%).
The duo of Terrance Williams II and Olivier Nkamhoua causes serious matchup issues for opposing teams. Nkamhoua and Williams stand 6-foot-9 and 6-foot-7, respectively, and both can attack inside and out.
If the opponent lacks a versatile defender with strength and quick feet, both can go off. Williams is shooting a career-best 41% from 3, and Nkamhoua is averaging 16 points.
If Michigan puts an end to its lengthy five-game losing streak, it'll take more than just a good shooting night.
Ohio State vs. Michigan
Betting Pick & Prediction
I typically hate betting against home teams in Big Ten play; the numbers back up just how important home-court advantage is in Big Ten country.
But what would I be if I ignored what was right before me and blindly picked the home team? I can't do it.
From a talent perspective, Ohio State has a major advantage across the board. Plus, it turns the ball over less and can rebound.
That's why Ohio State should walk into Ann Arbor and steal a road victory.
Pick: Ohio State -125 (PointsBet)
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