Second-ranked Ohio State (17-0) will look to remain unbeaten on Saturday (5:30 pm ET), and has a chance to move into the No. 1 ranking if they can defeat unranked Penn State (10-6), when the two schools battle in BIG TEN mens college basketball play at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes survived a stiff test on the road at arch-rival Michigan on Wednesday getting past the Wolverines by four points 68-64. Ohio State currently sits on top of the BIG TEN standings with a 4-0 conference mark. Penn State is fifth in league play at 3-2. Keep tabs of the most up to date NCAA Basketball Betting Spreads as you make your plays through all of Saturday's action.
Oddsmakers at most offshore sports shops list the Buckeyes as -18 spreads favorites versus the Nittany Lions with a posted total of 128. Early betting trends indicate the 74 percent of public wagers are on the Buckeyes to cover the 18 point spreads while 97 percent have wagered the games combined scoring point total goes OVER the posted 128.
The Buckeyes coasted through their early season schedule, but have had to battle in early conference play. The Buckeyes won by five at Iowa on Jan. 4, followed that win with a narrow three point home victory over Minnesota (67-64) five days later. And again, Ohio State was tested at Michigan on Wednesday winning by four as an 11-point favorite. Overall, Ohio State is tough to beat at home going 11-0, however, has been vulnerable against the spread cashing in 3-of-6 lined games on home court. Overall Ohio State is 4-7 ATS.
Penn State should arrive in Columbus with plenty of confidence having won back to back league victories over ranked opponents No. 18 Michigan State and 16 Illinois, both wins at home. Their first conference victory came at Indiana followed by two losses, at home to Michigan and on the road at No. 11 Purdue.
The Nittany Lions have covered the betting spreads in 4-of-11 games lined by oddsmakers and are 1-3 ATS in road games. Today's game will be the first where the Nittany Lions have been chalked underdogs by 18 or more points.
College Basketball Predictions: The Buckeyes will get an easier win today than they've seen the past few days, but Penn State should be competitive. The Buckeyes will win by dozen points but Penn State will cover ATS as a +18 underdog. BEST BET – Penn State +18.
