The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-0 overall, 2-0 Big Ten) visit the Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1, 0-1) for a 4:30 p.m. ET tip-off in a ranked-on-ranked Big Ten battle at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Below, we analyze the Rutgers-Ohio State college basketball betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Rutgers is No. 12 in the Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. Ohio State is ranked 20th.
Rutgers at Ohio State: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 1:50 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Rutgers +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Ohio State -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Rutgers +2 (+100) | Ohio State -2 (-120)
- Over/Under: 139.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Rutgers at Ohio State: Three things to know
- The Knights are playing their second straight game against a ranked foe. Rutgers defeated then-No. 13 Illinois 91-88 Sunday. RU won despite the Illini shooting 54% from the field. The Knights outscored Illinois 25-11 at the charity stripe. Rutgers went to the line 36 times, their most in a single game since Jan. 28.
- Ohio State is averaging a robust 77.0 points per game, a would-be high in Chris Holtmann’s era as head coach (2017-present). Holtmann has seen his Buckeyes prevail in a few areas where hidden points can be found. Ohio State is shooting 77% at the free-throw line, hauling down 12.3 offensive rebounds per game and committing just 9.1 turnovers per contest. All three figures rank second in the Big Ten.
- The Buckeyes are 4-0 on their home hardwood this season, and dating back to last season have won 10 in a row in Columbus. That stretch includes a Feb. 12 victory (72-66) over the Scarlet Knights. OSU led that game by 15 at the half and would outscore RU from 3-point range and at the foul line.
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Rutgers at Ohio State: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Ohio State 72, Rutgers 67
Money line (ML)
The lean is on Ohio State, but PASS unless you get a tag closer to -140.
Against the spread (ATS)
Look for the Buckeyes to control the game in the paint. Rutgers has a couple of injury issues that could affect whether guys play or how many minutes they can contribute. Both teams can get to the line frequently, but that’s a particular advantage for OSU.
During their 10-game home winning streak, the Buckeyes have gone 8-2 ATS. TAKE OHIO STATE -2 (-120) in a late-afternoon, holiday-week affair that may not have all of RU’s attention.
Over/Under (O/U)
PASS on a well-pegged number.
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