The top-ranked Duke Blue Devils (7-0) and Ohio State Buckeyes (4-2) meet in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio. Tip-off at the Value City Arena is slated for 9:30 p.m. ET (on ESPN). Below, we look at the Duke vs. Ohio State odds and lines and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Duke is coming off a big 84-81 win over then-No. Gonzaga Friday in Las Vegas. It was Blue Devils’ first win this season that wasn’t by 8 or more points. They’ve been bludgeoning foes, averaging 85.6 points per game while allowing 64.6.
The Buckeyes are coming off a split in the Fort Myers Tip-Off Classic. OSU defeated then-No. 20 Seton Hall Nov. 22 and then lost to now-No. 12 Florida on a buzzer-beater Wednesday. Ohio State has also played Xavier, so the Buckeyes’ early slate has been a challenging one. The OSU defense has posted solid numbers against that tough schedule, holding opponents to a 39.9% accuracy mark from the floor.
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Duke at Ohio State odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 3:31 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Duke -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Ohio State +130 (bet $100 to win $130)
- Against the spread (ATS): Duke -3.5 (-105) | Ohio State +3.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 146.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Duke at Ohio State odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Duke 74, Ohio State 73
Money line
The Buckeyes have shot the ball well. Their overall offense looks to be somewhat undersold by surface numbers. They do perhaps have some deficiencies in rebounding the basketball, but Duke doesn’t profile as the type of squad to bury the Buckeyes in that category.
Getting the game in Columbus against a Devils squad that had to grind against Gonzaga makes for this kind of plus money being worth a moderate play.
BACK THE BUCKEYES (+130).
Against the spread
At home, Ohio State is 22 for its last 58 from 3-point land for a 37.9% percentage. The 3-ball represents a possible OSU advantage in this one. A decent night from 3-point range helps the Buckeyes edge toward a backdoor cover if the Devils are in control late.
OSU has a good veteran core and can defend well near the basket. Look for the Buckeyes to put together a couple of offensive runs, putting a youthful Duke five on its heels.
Consider OHIO STATE +3.5 (-120) as a half-and-half play with the money line action above.
Over/Under
Peg a slight lean on the Under 146.5 (-108), but the margin wouldn’t lead to a wager unless the total climbed to 150. PASS.
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