Last season the Iowa Hawkeyes were one of the biggest disappointments with the college basketball betting line. What was supposed to be a season of Big Ten contention turned into one of boiling frustration. And while Iowa has winning on the hardwood this year, they are failing to get the cash. A leaky defense keeps leaving the back door open. Balanced against that is the play of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Since the arrival of head coach Chris Holtmann last year OSU has shown rapid improvement. Starting with a great defense Holtmann has quickly developed a much-improved program.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
Date and Time: Saturday, January 12, 2019, 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Carver Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, Iowa
NCAA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
Ohio State vs. Iowa TV Coverage: BTN
Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa has a record of 12-3 straight up but 6-9 with the college basketball betting line. The Hawkeyes are 7-8 under the total. Likewise, Iowa has covered the spread in just two of their last five games with four of their last six going under the total. Overall Iowa ranks a strong 30th in the nation for scoring offense. But defensively the Hawkeyes rank 216th for points allowed. Tyler Cook is the kingpin of Iowa with a team best 17.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State has a NCAA Basketball record of 12-2 straight up, 7-7 against the spread and 8-5-1 over the total. Of great concern is that OSU has lost four of their last five games with the board. And only two of their last nine games have gone under the total. Metrics wise Ohio State ranks 88th for scoring offense and 31st for points allowed. Kaleb Wesson leads the Bucks with 17.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per outing.
Stats to Consider
Ohio State has been a reliable bet in road games since last season. As an example, the Buckeyes have covered eight of their last 11 away from home. Six of their last eight road tilts have gone under the total. Counter to that is the weak betting value offered by Iowa at Carver Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes have delivered the money in just two of their last nine home games. Five of their last six at home have gone under the total.
Team vs. Team
Late on has Ohio Sate had the advantage in their series with Iowa. To show the Buckeyes have covered three of their last four against the Hawkeyes. Five of the last eight between these teams have gone over the total. And at Iowa the Bucks have covered three of their last five visits. Five of the last six in this matchup at Iowa City have gone over the total.
Matchup to Watch
Iowa coach Fran McCaffery entered the season facing a lot of criticism from the Iowa faithful. In the same way Iowa’s lack of defense has been a detriment with the college basketball betting line. As was previously noted Ohio State has the more complete team and better balance. Consistent with that is OSU’s record of success against Iowa.
Ohio State vs. Iowa NCAA games Betting Odds Picks
Summing up Ohio State is the call against an Iowa team that has been an overlay at home.
Ohio State vs. Iowa NCAA Betting Online Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State vs. Iowa NCAA Betting Online Score Prediction: Ohio State 88, Iowa 84
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