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Ohio State basketball vs. Michigan State: Preview, predictions, best bets

By Ryan Stano

Mar 1, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Isaac Likekele (13) huddles with teammates during the second half of the NCAA Division I basketball game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Maryland Terrapins at Value City Arena on Wednesday night. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Ceb Mbk Maryland Maryland At Ohio State
Mar 1, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Isaac Likekele (13) huddles with teammates during the second half of the NCAA Division I basketball game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Maryland Terrapins at Value City Arena on Wednesday night. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Ceb Mbk Maryland Maryland At Ohio State /
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The Ohio State basketball team has a chance to finish the season with three wins in a row. It would be the first time that they’ve won three games in a row since January 1st when they beat Maine, Alabama A&M, and Northwestern in succession.

A lot of things have changed since then. The Buckeyes went on to lose 14 of their next 15 games after that Northwestern win. They still only have four wins in the calendar year. But, they have a chance to finish the regular season on a great note by beating the Spartans.

In the first matchup against Michigan State, Ohio State managed to score just 40 points in the game, including just 14 in the first half. This game was also at the Schott, so things will likely be much harder in East Lansing. The Buckeyes better bring their offensive A-game in this one.

Ohio State basketball vs. Michigan State: Best bets

According to FanDuel, Michigan State is a 6.5-point favorite over the Buckeyes. That’s a pretty hefty spread against a team that is coming off two straight wins. I actually think the Buckeyes might cover that spread, so take the Buckeyes. If you do, you get -110 odds at that line.

The over/under sits at 138.5. Considering Ohio State scored just 40 points the last time these two played, the under might be the best way to go on that. If you put those two picks together, you get +246 odds, which is pretty good value. Those are some of the best bets.

Prediction: Ohio State basketball 59 Michigan State 64

I actually think the Buckeyes keep it pretty close in this game. They’ve been playing much better on both sides of the floor for the past couple of games. I just don’t think it will ultimately be enough. Bruce Thornton should have another good game, but no one else will step up to help him and Brice Sensabaugh carry the load offensively.

Next. Why Ohio State basketball is finally winning games. dark

No matter what the outcome of this game is, the Buckeyes will take on either Nebraska or Wisconsin in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. That could potentially be the last game of the season.

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