South Dakota State is another team a lot of people are saying could score a first-round upset. Don’t tell that to the Buckeyes, who are locked in to win this assignment. Read on for a preview of this intriguing 5 vs. 12 matchup. Register here to make your pick.
Betting Preview for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs Ohio State Buckeyes College Basketball Game on March 16, 2018
Where: Taco Bell Arena
When: Friday, March 16, 4:00PM EST
Line: South Dakota State Jackrabbits () vs Ohio State Buckeyes () – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
Betting on the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (28-6)
South Dakota State junior forward Mike Daum is a player not many people have heard of, but let this be a warning to Ohio State: this dude could score. The Buckeyes certainly know that, though, and the fact that Daum is averaging 23.8 points per game. The Jackrabbits appear to live and die with Daum, and they would likely again against Ohio State. Daum is shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from behind the arc. Without a doubt, Daum is the Jackrabbits’ best player and the biggest reason why they are 14th nationally with 83.4 points per game. Ohio State has been shaky during the windup of Big 10 play, and with the Buckeyes looking vulnerable, don’t be surprised to see Daum and the Jackrabbits punch their tickets to the second round.
Betting on the Ohio State Buckeyes (24-8)
Oh yeah, you’ve heard mostly about Mike Daum in our brief overview of the Jackrabbits above, but it’s because he’s almost all that team has. Ohio State surely has a big target on Daum’s back, and it is capable of locking (or at least slowing) him down. For one, Ohio State is 36th in the nation in defense with only 66.7 points allowed per outing. The team also caps opponents to just 41.5 field goal shooting percentage. In addition, the Buckeyes’ defense ranks 17th on KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency list. Whereas the Jackrabbits have Daum, the Buckeyes have Keita Bates-Diop, who is expected to be taken in the first round of this year’s NBA Draft. The 6-foot-7 junior forward is averaging 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. The Buckeyes could also opt to engage South Dakota State in the shootout, as the Buckeyes have scored no fewer than 80 points in each of their past 14 games.
Writer’s Prediction
Ohio State wins, 81-74.
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