One of the best NCAA basketball games today will see the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will head to Ohio to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in this Big Ten matchup.
The tip-off for this game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. eastern from the Schottenstein Center.
Rutgers comes into this game after winning their first Big Ten game against the Indiana Hoosiers.
NCAAB Standings
This will be the first Ohio State Big Ten game of the season, and they come in ranked in the top 25 in the college basketball standings.
This will be the first meeting between these two teams this season. Last season, these two teams came down to the wire, with the Ohio State basketball score coming up two points short, with Rutgers taking the victory 66-64.
Let’s take a look at the NCAA basketball odds and the best college basketball players on each team to help make our Rutgers vs. Ohio St. picks.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Ohio St. Buckeyes Odds
The Buckeyes are a six-point favorite heading into the contest with -110 odds. The Rutgers Scarlett Knight’s odds to win the game outright are sitting around +205.
The point total for this game is sitting at 107. The odds for both the over and the under are at -110.
When making Rutgers vs. Ohio State picks, it is good to know that this is only the third time that Rutgers has not been the favorite.
It is only the second time this season that Ohio St. has been the favorite by single-digit points.
Matchup Information
- Date & Time: Thursday, December 8, 2022, 7:00 p.m. eastern
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
- Venue: The Schottenstein Center
- How to Watch: ESPN
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Ohio St. Buckeyes Betting Preview
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers comes into this contest with a record of 6-2. While they are not currently listed as one of the top 25 NCAA basketball teams, a big win on the road against a top 25 opponent could definitely increase their chances.
Rutgers prides themselves on their defense and can use much of its superior defense in the transitional offense.
The Scarlet Knights are giving up just 54.1 points per game, which ranks in the top 10 in all of college basketball.
Rutgers’ Schedule
When looking at Rutgers’ NCAA basketball schedule, it is easy to see that their nonconference schedule, before starting Big Ten games, lacks the same depth that Ohio St. has.
The man in the middle for the Scarlet Knights, Clifford Omoruyi, stands a stagger 6’11” and has been one of their best offensive players on the season. To date, Omoruyi is averaging 15.4 points per game while also adding 9.8 rebounds per game.
The big buzz for this Rutgers’ roster has been their senior transfer, Cam Spencer. Transferring over from Loyola-Maryland, Spencer has become a vocal leader for the Scarlet Knights.
Last season for Loyola-Maryland, Spencer averaged over 18 points per game with around three steals. Spencer has not allowed the transfer to change his game, as he is averaging 13.8 points per game and shooting over 95% from the free throw line.
Ohio St. Buckeyes
Ohio St. comes into this contest, the much more tested team. So far this season, the Buckeyes have faced off with the likes of:
- Duke
- Cincinnati
- Texas Tech
Ohio St. has a very high-powered offense, scoring just over 80 points per game. While their defense may not be as solid as Rutgers’, they only give up 63.3 points per game.
Brice Sensabaugh has been the leading scorer for the Buckeyes, averaging 14.2 points per game.
While Sensabaugh is a true freshman, Buckeyes’ fans have to be worried about the way he played against Duke when he was only able to score four points.
Zed Key may have the hardest job on the floor for the Buckeyes during tonight’s contest. The 6’8” forward will try to slow down Omoruyi for Rutgers.
The Buckeyes do not currently have anyone listed on their college basketball injury report. If the Buckeyes can stay healthy, they will be a tough opponent for anyone this season with their depth and offensive capabilities.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Ohio St. Buckeyes Betting Preview
After looking at all of the NCAAB stats and odds, it has come time to make our Rutgers vs. Ohio St. picks.
The Buckeyes have not lost at home this season, which is a huge factor. The Scarlet Knights have only played twice away from their home arena, losing both of those contests.
The Rutgers defense will also play a huge factor in this game which is why the best pick for this contest will be taking the under for total points.
NCAAB Pick: Under 137 (-110)
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