The Xavier Musketeers (2-0) and No. 17 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) meet Thursday in Cincinnati. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Ohio State at Xavier odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Given this in-state matchup features two undefeated teams, the 10,250-seat Cintas Center is sure to be rocking.
The Buckeyes needed a game-winning, last-second shot to beat Akron 67-66 in their opener. They beat Niagara by 84-74 Nov. 12 before finally flexing their strength against Bowling Green with an 89-58 victory Monday.
Ohio State is led by F E.J. Liddell, who was named to the preseason All-Big Ten Team. Liddell will have to battle Xavier’s elite backcourt of G Paul Scruggs and G Colby Jones, both averaging over 17 points per game.
The Musketeers have beaten Niagara as well, winning by a mere three (63-60), and also defeated Kent State 73-59. They’ll enter as slight underdogs at home.
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Ohio State at Xavier odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 5:20 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Ohio State -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Xavier +120 (bet $120 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Ohio State -2.5 (-110) | Xavier +2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Ohio State at Xavier odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Xavier 67, Ohio State 65
Money line
“LEAN” to XAVIER (+120) as the better play.
The Musketeers, over the course of their existence, have just been dominant on their home court. As of April 2018, Xavier is 258-41 at home. While obviously that differs from season to season, it should again protect home court.
For Ohio State, against both Niagara and Akron, it was guard play that weakened the Buckeyes. That’s exactly what Xavier has. Scruggs and Jones should make it a long game for Ohio State.
Xavier should be able to contain Liddell with size. It will likely start 6-foot-8 F Jerome Hunter on him first to see how the forward can impact the star.
Given the Musketeers backcourt play and Ohio State’s struggle to defend guards, Xavier could likely pull off the home upset. Xavier is No. 37 according to the KenPom rankings, while Ohio State is 17th.
Home-court advantage should play a major factor in this one.
Against the spread
PASS.
I’d rather bet Xavier to win outright given the above points in this one, especially getting a plus-money value.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 140.5 (-107) as both teams have size and rebounding. Shot-making hasn’t necessarily been a strong suit for either side so far this season either.
Ohio State averages 80.0 points per game (PPG). However, it hasn’t taken on an opponent of Xavier’s level, especially in a place like Cintas.
Xavier’s opponents have averaged 59.5 PPG, so the skewed numbers go both ways as it is early in the season without much competitive action.
In an aggressive and packed arena, I would prefer to side with poor shooting, especially with the excitement coming into the game.
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