Valparaiso Crusaders vs Ohio St. Buckeyes Betting Picks & Predictions
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
Game outlook
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 +1,600 | Buckeyes -4,500
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 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.