Two teams on the verge of breaking into college basketball’s Top 25 rankings collide at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus when the Pittsburgh Panthers visit the Ohio State Buckeyes.
My Pitt vs Ohio State predictions think the Panthers’ defense will travel in their first official road game in the season, keeping this game Under the total.
Pittsburgh vs Ohio State prediction
My best bet
Under 147 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Ohio State has a Top 6 offense in the Big Ten, but it's the defense that has caught my eye for these college basketball picks.
The Buckeyes rank 20th in KenPom’s defensive efficiency metric, allowing just 59.3 points per game, and they sit Top 10 in both opponent field goal percentage and 3-point percentage.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Panthers are the only team in the ACC to rank Top 4 in both offense (84.3 ppg) and defense, surrendering just 63.1 points per contest.
That's helped them to one spot above the Buckeyes in KenPom’s defensive efficiency rating at 19th. They hold teams to 37.6% shooting from the field and 26.5% from 3-point range.
Both teams are also missing some key components this afternoon. Panthers’ guard Damian Dunn (thumb) was hurt against Wisconsin and had surgery Monday. That’s 11.1 points and a deft 52.6% mark from downtown off the roster.
For the Buckeyes, 7-foot-1 forward Aaron Bradshaw (head) missed the last two games, and the sophomore’s status is unknown for today.
Defense will be the name of the game in this affair.
Pittsburgh vs Ohio State same-game parlay
Under 147
Bruce Thorton Under 15.5 points
Meechie Johnson Over 1.5 assists
Guard Bruce Thornton is coming off his best scoring game of the season, pouring in 25 against Green Bay in a blowout victory. However, that might have just over inflated his total for Friday, as his line is set at 15.5 points.
Prior to that scoring outburst, Thornton had gone Under that mark in four straight games.
It’s quite the opposite for fellow guard Meechie Johnson, who has an extremely makeable 1.5 assist line against the Panthers. He’s had three straight games with at least two assists and has topped the total four times in six games this season.
Johnson missed topping the Over by an assist each in games against Texas A&M and Youngstown State. He’ll be all around this figure again.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Pittsburgh vs Ohio State odds
Pittsburgh vs Ohio State live odds
Pittsburgh vs Ohio State opening odds
- Spread: Pittsburgh +3 (-110) | Ohio State -3 (-110)
- Moneyline: Pittsburgh +145 | Ohio State -170
- Over/Under: Over 147.5 (-110) | Under 147.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Pittsburgh vs Ohio State betting trend to know
The Panthers are 5-2-0 against the spread this season. Find more college basketball betting trends for Pittsburgh vs. Ohio State.
How to watch Pittsburgh vs Ohio State
| Location: | Value City Arena, Columbus, OH |
| Date: | Friday, 11-29-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 2:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Peacock |
Pittsburgh vs Ohio State key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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