The Ball State Cardinals (11-4, 2-0 MAC) battle the Ohio Bobcats (8-7, 0-2) Tuesday. Tip from Millett Hall is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Ball State vs. Ohio odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Bobcats lost to the Bowling Green Falcons 88-79 Saturday, failing to cover as a 3.5-point road favorite. Ohio has now lost 2 in a row, but has covered 3 of its last 5 games. It is 7-7 against the spread (ATS) on the season and is perfect at home (6-0). The Bobcats’ strength is 3-point shooting, hitting 36.5% of their attempts from deep.
The Cardinals beat Akron 70-63 Friday, covering as a 3-point home favorite. Ball State is 8-5 ATS on the season and 3-2 straight up on the road. It has covered 2 in a row and 5 of its last 7. The Cardinals’ strength is offensive efficient, ranking 31st in the nation in field goal percentage (48.3%).
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+
Ball State at Ohio odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 12:03 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Off the board
- Against the spread (ATS): Ball State +2.5 (-110) | Ohio -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Catch the excitement and bet with Tipico
Double Down, Ohio! Deposit $200, Get $250. Bet now!
In Colorado and New Jersey, claim your 100% Deposit Match up to $250 now. Bet now! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions.
Ball State at Ohio picks and predictions
Prediction
Ohio 78, Ball State 73
Moneyline
Not available.
Against the spread
LEAN OHIO -2.5 (-110).
The Bobcats are 3-0 ATS at home with a spread of 10 or less. The variety in their scoring, having 5 players averaging 9 or more points is also a positive in terms of building a reliable offense.
Ball State is just 2-2 ATS as an underdog. It also is not good at stopping what Ohio does best — shoot from deep. The Cardinals rank 281st in opponents’ 3-point FG percentage (35.1%).
The Bobcats should be able to abuse that weakness, and at home, I would back OHIO -2.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 145.5 (-105).
If there is 1 thing both teams have, it is an efficient offense. Ball State averages 76.9 PPG and shoots 38.2% from deep, good for the 35th-best percentage in the NCAA.
Ohio is averaging 77.2 PPG and has gone Over in 5 of its last 8. It has gone Over in 8 of 14 games this season. Ball State is 7-6 O/U this season and has gone Over in 2 straight and in 4 of its last 6.
Couple the season-long trends and efficient offenses, and the OVER 145.5 (-105) is the best play in this Mid-American Conference battle.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Want action on this basketball game or any other sports contest? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in OH, CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]