The second game of the 2024 CBS Sports Classic tips off this evening at Madison Square Garden when the 7-4 Ohio State Buckeyes clash with the 10-1 Kentucky Wildcats.
Find out why my Ohio State vs. Kentucky predictions see the Wildcats dominating on the court in New York City. Here are my college basketball picks for Saturday, December 21.
Ohio State vs Kentucky prediction
My best bet
Kentucky -8.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
It's been quite the start to the Mark Pope era in Lexington, as the Kentucky Wildcats have gone 10-1 with wins over Duke, Gonzaga, and Louisville.
Their only loss came in their first true road game at Clemson, but they bounced right back and beat Gonzaga in Seattle without their point guard, who is likely their most important player.
Lamont Butler returned from his two-game absence with an impressive performance over the rival Louisville Cardinals. He put up 33 points, six assists, and three rebounds and shot a perfect 10-for-10 from the field. Kentucky leads the country in points per game at 91.3 and it all runs through Butler.
Meanwhile, the Ohio State Buckeyes have lost three of their past five games, including an absolute shellacking by the Auburn Tigers, 91-53, in Atlanta. Since upsetting Texas in the season opener in Vegas, Ohio State has lost every game away from home by deficits of 14, 24, and 38 points.
The Buckeyes rank 129th in the country, allowing 69.1 points per game. However, they have played four terrible offensive teams, and if you remove those four games, they've allowed 79.1 points per contest.
While the Wildcats struggled offensively against Duke and Clemson, they lit up the scoreboard against Gonzaga and Louisville.
Kentucky loves to shoot threes and force its opponents to shoot tough shots from deep. The Wildcats rank 47th in threes attempted and 348th in threes allowed. However, they rank 81st in 3-point percentage and 13th in opponent three-point percentage.
Ohio State is a good shooting team, but it also allows many threes — 23.9 attempts per game. The Cats will be able to get their shots off, and if they are hitting, this could be a blowout.
Ohio State vs Kentucky same-game parlay
Kentucky -8.5
Over 160.5
The Over is 7-4 in UK games this season and 3-1 when it is set in the 160s. There is a very good chance Kentucky reaches 90 point, which makes the game total Over very likely since it will only require 71 points from Ohio State.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Ohio State vs Kentucky odds
Ohio State vs Kentucky live odds
Ohio State vs Kentucky opening odds
- Spread: Ohio State +7.5 (-110) | Kentucky -7.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Ohio State +260 | Kentucky -320
- Over/Under: Over 160.5 (-110) | Under 160.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Ohio State vs Kentucky betting trend to know
Kentucky has hit the game total Over in 23 of its last 34 games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Ohio State vs. Kentucky.
How to watch Ohio State vs Kentucky
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Saturday, 12-21-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 5:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBS |
Ohio State vs Kentucky key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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