Friday’s men’s college basketball slate includes a must-watch matchup in Hartford. Ohio State (2-1) hasn’t gotten off to a great start, losing a non-conference game to #23 BYU and eking out a six-point win over Marshall. On Friday, the Buckeyes will face their stiffest test of the season against #4 UConn (3-0). The Huskies have all the makings of a national title contender, having just defeated #20 Michigan last week. Can Connecticut keep the good times rolling this evening at home?
UConn enters this one as 12.5-point favorites (-120) over Ohio State. The total is set at 147.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here’s a college basketball pick, preview and prediction for Friday’s game between the Buckeyes and Huskies.
Ohio State vs. UConn prediction, preview
Offense hasn’t been the issue in Columbus this season. Jake Diebler’s crew is averaging 85.3 points over their first three games. Ohio State has accounted for the nation’s 21st-best adjusted offensive efficiency (118.8). The program has done so despite shooting a dismal 27.8% from three-point range. It’s likely just a matter of time until that number improves. Exceptional shooting from the field (58.5 2PT%) and free throw line (81.8%) have helped. Four different Buckeyes are averaging double-digit points per game, headlined by returning guard John Mobley Jr. (19.3 PPG).
It’s the other end of the floor that’s proven difficult for OSU. The school is coughing up a Big Ten-worst 77.7 points per game to opponents. This offense doesn’t operate at a particularly fast pace either, so it’s not as if it’s a matter of extra possessions. Teams are shooting 56.9% from two-point range against the Buckeyes. The front court has been better than expected, carried by the duo of Amare Bynum and Kentucky transfer Andrija Jelavic. The two big men have combined for 30.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per game this season. Regardless, OSU has done a poor job when it comes to getting stops and forcing turnovers.
UConn looks to be even better than last season’s squad, which fell one game shy of a national championship. It all starts with guards Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins, arguably college basketball’s top backcourt. The two combined for 44 points last week vs. Michigan, once again stepping up in a big game. Fellow returnee Jayden Ross deserves mention as well, offering outstanding two-way play at forward. Down low, transfers Nik Khamenia and Na’jai Hines should only get better as the season progresses.
While this offense is loaded, head coach Dan Hurley still wants his guys playing a tough, physical brand of basketball. Connecticut is seventh in the nation with a 91.0 adjusted defensive efficiency. That includes holding opponents to lackluster 26.6% three-point shooting while notching the sport’s 12th-best turnover rate (26.9%). If that continues during tonight’s matchup, Ohio State’s high-octane scoring attack could struggle.
Ohio State vs. UConn pick, best bet
UConn deserves its reputation as a defensively-minded squad. With that being said, Hurley’s guys are more than comfortable going blow to blow with any team. Look no further than the win over Michigan, in which both teams combined for 162 points. A similar scenario could play out tonight in Hartford. Ohio State’s best chance at beating this Huskies defense is preventing it from getting set up. A faster paced, more aggressive Buckeyes team than usual could help push us past Friday’s modest total. On the other end of the floor, OSU doesn’t look equipped to slow down the duo of Demary Jr. and Mullins. Back the over during tonight’s marquee non-conference matchup.
