Ohio State to Test UCLA in CBS Sports Classic Showdown

Game outlook

The Buckeyes and Bruins will face off in the CBS Sports Classic at 3:00 EST Saturday at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, which can be seen on CBS. UCLA is looking to avenge its current losing streak, while Ohio St. is also coming off a loss of their own, giving this matchup an added layer of intensity.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Buckeyes -118 | Bruins -104

Spread: Buckeyes -2.5 (-110) | Bruins +2.5 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 134.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Ohio St. will win straight-up is 54%.

Ohio St. Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes hold a power ranking of 190 and have a 7-2 record this season. The team ranks 27th overall by KenPom, with their offense ranking 14th in efficiency and their defense ranking 76th in efficiency. They predominantly run a slower pace, ranking 285th in the nation in tempo. Offensively, the Buckeys hit 45.83% of their field goals (129th nationally), 74.19% of their free throws (78th nationally) and 31.25% of their three pointers (260th nationally). They average 36.43 rebounds (199th nationally), 13.57 assists (170th nationally) and 11.57 turnovers (115th nationally). Defensively, they allow an average of 37.12% of field goals (11th nationally) and 65.85% of free throws (45th nationally) and an average of 30.60% of three pointers (104th nationally). They average 28.00 defensive rebounds (28th nationally) 10.00 defensive assists (38th nationally) and 13.71 turnovers (117th nationally). Bruce Thornton, Jamison Battle and Roddy Gayle Jr. are their top contributors, with Zed Key leading the frontcourt. Thornton has scored 13 or more in his last six games and leads the team in points (18.5 PPG), assists (4.2 APG) and steals (1.6 SPG). Battle has 25 made threes on the season and Gayle Jr. has reached double figures in the past four games.