The West Virginia Mountaineers (10-1, 0-0 Big 12) and Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1, 1-1 Big Ten) tip off at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland at 12 p.m. ET Sunday. We analyze the West Virginia-Ohio State odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.
The Buckeyes are ranked second in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll. The Mountaineers are ranked 23rd.
West Virginia vs. Ohio State: Three things you need to know
1. While this game is technically a neutral-site game, it will be played in Cleveland, about two hours from Ohio State’s campus.
2. West Virginia uses four players in its rotation over 6-foot-7. The Mountaineers’ size and strength have been a key to their defense. They rank ninth in the nation in defensive field-goal percentage at 36.2, and they’re fourth in 3-point percentage at 24.6.
3. The Mountaineers are 3-8 against the spread in the past 11 neutral-site games. The Buckeyes are 7-1 ATS in the past eight neutral-site games while going 13-3 ATS in the past 16 overall.
Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!
West Virginia vs. Ohio State: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 9:20 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Ohio State 71, West Virginia 60
Moneyline (ML)
Ohio State (-294) is a significant favorite, but it’s not worth a bet with a $10 wager returning a profit of just $3.40 if the Buckeyes win outright.
Against the Spread (ATS)
OHIO STATE (-7.5, +110) is a nice play for this ‘neutral-site’ battle in Cleveland, especially if you can get the number under seven. The Buckeyes have cashed in six consecutive outings against teams with a winning straight-up record.
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 136.5 (-106) is worth a small-unit bet, mostly due to West Virginia’s suffocating defense. The Under has hit in four straight for the Mountaineers, and their D will dictate the play. While Ohio State goes over 70, just the third time West Virginia allows a team over the mark, the game will end up Under the projected total.
Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=11866]