Following the Kansas vs. Richmond game, No. 1 Ohio State (34-2) takes on No. 4 Kentucky (27-8) on Friday in the East Regional. It’s the biggest matchup of the NCAA Tournament thus far. Ohio State is the best team out of the Big Ten and Kentucky is the best team out of the SEC. Ohio State is a 5.5-point favorite.
Kentucky is anchored by its defense. The Wildcats have held opponents to 63 points or less in five of the last six games. They led the SEC in blocked shots and committed the fewest turnovers. Ohio State is arguably the best offensive team in the country so they will face some better shooting than they did against Princeton and West Virginia.
Ohio State is first in the nation in offensive efficiency and fourth in field goal percentage. The Buckeyes led the Big Ten in scoring, shooting, steals, scoring margin and turnover margin. They can beat you from the block or beyond the arc. Jared Sullinger averages 17 points and 10 rebounds down low and Jon Diebler led the Big Ten in 3-point shooting percentage. William Buford is a solid shooter at 14 points per game. David Lighty was third in the Big Ten in steals and Aaron Craft was first.
Each team covered the spread in their last game and each have gone 8-2 after a win. Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last five games and the total has gone over in seven of its last 10 games. With two high-powered offenses like this, it’s wise to bet the over in your college basketball betting.
Ohio State vs. Kentucky (odds provided by Titan Bet)
Ohio State: 7/20
Kentucky: 11/5
Point Spread: Ohio State -5.5
Over/Under: 140.5