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Minnesota vs. Ohio State prediction and odds for Thursday, January 12 (Back Buckeyes)

By Peter Dewey

Ohio State Buckeyes forward Justice Sueing (14) reacts to a late three pointer by Purdue Boilermakers guard Fletcher Loyer (2) during the second half of the NCAA men's basketball game at Value City Arena. Purdue won 71-69. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Purdue At Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Justice Sueing (14) reacts to a late three pointer by Purdue Boilermakers guard Fletcher Loyer (2) during the second half of the NCAA men's basketball game at Value City Arena. Purdue won 71-69. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Purdue At Ohio State /
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The Ohio State Buckeyes have lost back-to-back games heading into Thursday’s matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who are just 6-8 in the 2022-23 season.

This is a prime bounce-back spot for the Buckeyes, especially since the team had a tough open to Big Ten play, facing Purdue (No. 6 in KenPom) and Maryland (No. 35 in KenPom).

Minnesota comes into this game ranked No. 193 in KenPom, so the Golden Gophers should be a much easier opponent.

Ohio State is 7-1 straight up at home this season, but can it cover a big spread on Thursday night?

Here’s a look at the latest odds and an offer from BetMGM:

Minnesota vs. Ohio State odds, spread and total

Minnesota vs. Ohio State prediction and pick

I’m all over the Buckeyes in this game, as they rank No. 1 in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency this season.

They are an elite shooting team, posting top-20 marks in effective field goal percentage and 3-point percentage this season.

Minnesota, on the other hand, ranks 177th in 3-point percentage, 207th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 199th in effective field goal percentage. The team doesn’t even make free throws at a high rate, ranking 360th in the league in free-throw percentage at a shocking 59.4 percent.

KenPom projects this as a 18-point win for the Buckeyes, so we may be getting some value on them as just 14.5-point favorites.

There’s no way I could trust Minnesota’s awful offense to keep up in this game, especially on the road.

Lean: Ohio State -14.5 (-110)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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