Ohio State vs. Minnesota Big Ten Basketball Bet Preview for 1/27/2022

The Minnesota Golden Gophers find themselves near th e bottom of the Big Ten but were able to squeak by with a 68-65 win against Rutgers this past weekend. Minnesota is 2-5 in conference play and 11-5 overall. Ohio State, on the other hand, is in the top four of the Big Ten with a 5-2 conference record and a 12-4 record overall.

Let’s look ahead at this Big Ten matchup between two teams who have been on different paths to get to this point.

By the Numbers

The reason for the Buckeyes’ success this year has come from their efficient shooting. Although they rank 319th in field goals attempted per game, they rank 22nd in three-point percentage, 17th in two-point percentage, and 15th in overall shooting percentage. Their lack of size hurts them in attempting to get second attempts on possessions with offensive rebounds.

The Golden Gophers excel when they can keep the score below 70. They force their opponents to take the ball inside as they rank 34th in opponent three-pointers made per game at 5.8. They are disciplined and don’t foul much, ranking 15th in opponent free throws attempted per game at 12.8.

Minnesota will force EJ Liddell and the Buckeyes to make their shots as they have done all season. If the Buckeyes can’t get their shots to fall on the road, Minnesota will be able to make it close and go for a big conference upset win.

Keys to the Game

For the Buckeyes, their week off should provide the team with much-needed rest as we hit the home stretch of the season before March comes around. EJ Liddell, who has been the main leader of this team, is averaging 19.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 51.2% shooting. He will need to be on his game to prevent any hope for a Minnesota upset.

The Golden Gophers are expected to be short-manned in some regard as three of their starters, Jamison Battle, EJ Stephens, and Eric Curry missed their last game against Rutgers. If this is the case again, Payton Willis will need to put on another show as he did in their win against records as he scored 32 points in 40 minutes.

Expected Outcome

This game will be a lot closer if Minnesota can be at full strength in their home gym. If not, the Buckeyes have too much talent for the Golden Gophers to hold them off. I expect the Buckeyes to come into Minnesota and win by 5-10 points on the road. This Ohio State team still has a lot of work before tournament time, but they are looking much stronger than these Gophers.

Be sure to subscribe to betJACK on YouTube for all the latest on picks, sports betting and much more!