Valparaiso Crusaders vs
Ohio St. BuckeyesPredictions & Preview

Ohio State Buckeyes Set to Face Valparaiso Beacons in Highly Anticipated Non-Conference Showdown

The 2024-25 college basketball season features a non-conference showdown between the Valparaiso Beacons and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Tuesday, December 17 at Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH. This will be the first meeting between Valparaiso and Ohio State since 2011, with the Buckeyes looking for their third consecutive victory over the Beacons. Despite opening as -19.5 favorites, the betting line for Ohio State vs. Valparaiso remains unchanged. Stay tuned for the latest updates and predictions for this anticipated matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Crusaders +1600 | Buckeyes -4500
• Spread: Crusaders +19.5 (-110) | Buckeyes -19.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 151 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Ohio St. will win straight-up is 98%.

Valparaiso vs Ohio St. Stats

Valparaiso Crusaders

Valparaiso Beacons (5-4; 4-4 ATS) recently secured a 93-77 home victory over Central Michigan, following two consecutive losses. The team managed to score an impressive 57 points in the second half against Central Michigan, shooting 46.6% from the field and 11-for-26 from beyond the arc. Freshman guard All Wright led with 26 points, backed by senior guard Tyler Schmidt with 21 points and six rebounds. Schmidt leads the team with an average of 12.9 points per game. However, the Beacons struggle defensively, ranking poorly in opponent effective field goal percentage and defensive free-throw rate. With a power ranking of 172, Valparaiso ranks 160 in offense and 150 in defense, averaging 77.00 points scored and 69.75 points allowed per game. The team is proficient at free-throw shooting but falls short in defending against opponents' field goals and three-pointers. They also average 36.88 rebounds, 13.50 offensive assists, and 9.25 turnovers per game. Defensively, Valparaiso allows opponents to shoot 44.84% from the field and 65.00% from the free-throw line. The team's defensive rebounding and turnover statistics also fall within the mid-range of national rankings.

Ohio St. Buckeyes Analysis

The Ohio State Buckeyes have had a challenging stretch, dropping three of their previous four games including a recent loss to Auburn. Despite the setbacks, key players like Devin Royal and Bruce Thornton have been leading the team in scoring and assists. The Buckeyes have a strong offensive game, ranking well in field goal percentage and three-point shots, but their defense is also solid in limiting opponents' scoring efficiency. Overall, the Buckeyes have a power ranking of 254 and are ranked #53 for offense and #66 for defense in the nation. If you're looking for insights and predictions on college basketball, consider choosing the Best College Basketball Cappers.

Ohio State Favored in Matchup Against Valparaiso After Disappointing Loss

I favor the Buckeyes in this particular matchup. Following a disappointing loss to Auburn, Ohio State is likely motivated to come back strong. Additionally, they are facing one of the weaker defensive teams in the nation, presenting a favorable opportunity for the Buckeyes to showcase their offensive capabilities. With a 3-point shooting percentage of 41.3% (ranking 7th nationally), Ohio State should have success scoring in front of their home crowd. Conversely, Valparaiso struggles defensively, ranking poorly in both 3-point and 2-point percentage allowed. Lacking the defensive height and length to effectively challenge Ohio State, the Beacons may struggle to contain the Buckeyes. While Valparaiso shows promise on offense, I anticipate a strong defensive showing from Ohio State as they seek to redeem themselves from the previous loss.

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