Wolverines vs. Buckeyes: Expert CBB Predictions & Best Bets for Sunday’s Clash

Michigan Wolverines (19-5 SU, 11-13 ATS) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (15-10 SU, 15-10 ATS)

When: Sunday, February 16th, 1:00 PM (ET)

Where: Value City Arena, OH, Columbus

TV: CBS

Point Spread: MICH +2.5/OHIOST -2.5

Total: 150.5

Money Line: Michigan Wolverines +123/-149

Notable Injuries

Wolverines

Buckeyes

• Meechie Johnson Jr. (Out) Personal
• Taison Chatman (Out) Knee
• Austin Parks (Questionable) Undisclosed

Recent Form

Michigan Wolverines Recent Game/Games

The Wolverines improved to 19-5 on the season with a 75-73 win over Purdue on Tuesday. Michigan, who were -3 favorites, didn’t cover the spread, but they got the win at home. The total points for the game ended at 148, just under the O/U line of 152.5.

Michigan trailed 37-35 at halftime but turned things around in the 2nd half, outscoring Purdue 40-36 to secure the win.

Ohio State Buckeyes Recent Game/Games

Ohio State improved to 15-10 on the season with a dominant 93-69 win over Washington on Wednesday. The Buckeyes were -11 favorites and covered the spread, while the game’s total points of 162 exceeded the O/U line of 144.5.

Leading 51-36 at halftime, Ohio State continued to control the game, outscoring Washington 42-33 in the second half.

Analysis

Braden Smith led the way for Michigan with 24 points and six rebounds, shooting 47.6% from the field and hitting 4 of 9 from three-point range. Trey Kaufman-Renn added 22 points and seven rebounds, shooting 57.9% overall. Danny Wolf and Fletcher Loyer each contributed 15 points, with Wolf grabbing nine rebounds.

Michigan shot 44.6% from the field, with an effective field goal percentage of 50%. They hit 7 of 23 from beyond the arc (30.4%) and made 18 of 26 free throws (69.2%). The Wolverines grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and finished with just seven assists as a team.

Michigan’s defense gave up 73 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 44% from the field. They allowed 18 two-point baskets on 33 attempts, a 54% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Michigan’s opponents hit 7 of 23 threes, shooting 30%. They also went to the line 26 times, making 18 free throws, good for 69%. Michigan allowed 12 offensive rebounds.

Ohio State put up 93 points in their last game, shooting 58.2% from the field and 61.1% from beyond the arc, hitting 11 threes. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 69.1%, and they shot 81.8% from the free-throw line, making 18 of 22 attempts.

John Mobley Jr. and Micah Parrish each scored 21 points, with Mobley hitting 5 of 7 threes. Aaron Bradshaw was perfect from the field, going 5 for 5, including 2 for two from three-point range.

Ohio State’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 69 points on 58% shooting from the field. They allowed 32 made field goals on 55 attempts.

From beyond the arc, Ohio State’s defense allowed 11 threes on 18 attempts, a 61% shooting percentage. They also sent the opposing team to the line 22 times, where they converted 18 free throws.

Betting Trends

• Through their last five road games, Michigan has an ATS record of just 1-4. However, their overall record was 3-2 while averaging 75 points per game.
• Through their last three home games, Ohio State has an ATS record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 1-2 while averaging 77 points per game.
• The last five games that Michigan was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 2-3 while going 2-3 straight up.
• Through their last five games as the favorite, the Buckeyes have an ATS record of 3-2 and a straight up mark of 3-2.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

After Purdue fell to Wisconsin yesterday, and Michigan State picked up their 11th win in the conference, Michigan needs a win to take sole possession of the conference lead, as they look for their 12th in the Big 10. The Wolverines have won 5 in a row, yet are +2.5 point dogs vs Ohio State. I think the odds are reflecting too much of a home-court advantage for the Buckeyes. I’m taking the Wolverines to win and cover.