In a matchup of top 25 teams, Texas A&M hosts Ohio State at Reed Arena in College Station in a game that will surely see plenty of points scored.
With the Buckeyes’ reloaded roster and the Aggies bringing back so much from last year’s NCAA Tournament team, I’m expecting a high-scoring battle in in my Ohio State vs. Texas A&M predictions and college basketball picks for Friday, November 15.
Ohio State vs Texas A&M prediction
My best bet
Over 146.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Jake Diebler’s first full season as a bench boss in Columbus is off to a hot start after the Ohio State Buckeyes opened the season with an upset win over Texas.
That victory showcased just how impressive Ohio State’s offense can be with the new additions surrounding last year’s leading scorer, Bruce Thornton. And since last season, Ohio State has hit the game total Over 21 times in 36 games and should again against the Texas A&M Aggies.
The Buckeyes are the best team Texas A&M faces in the first three weeks of the season and can put pressure on a defense that’s outside the top 20 in adjusted efficiency, per KenPom. Led by Thornton, Ohio State’s putting up 80.5 points per game and scored 80 on the Longhorns to open the season.
And while Thornton is the leading scorer (16 PPG), it doesn’t look like he’ll have to carry the load in quite the same way he did at times last season. Diebler has brought in a ton of talent between recruiting and the transfer portal.
True freshman, John Mobley Jr. (15 PPG) has had a hot hand from behind the arc while San Diego State transfer Micah Parrish gives them a floor stretching forward. Plus this team is far deeper than years past with other additions like Aaron Bradshaw (Kentucky), Meechie Johnson Jr. (South Carolina), and Sean Stewart (Duke).
Diebler’s new group has Ohio State sitting 20th in adjusted offensive efficiency and poised to get after a defense that’s allowing opponents to shoot a ton - 268th in 2-point attempts allowed per game (39) and 222nd in threes (24.5).
However, the Aggies are more than equipped to keep up with the Buckeyes. Buzz Williams’ group is 19th in adjusted offensive efficiency and scoring 81.7 points per game thanks to the play of veterans Wade Taylor IV and Henry Coleman III.
Those two have been mainstays in College Station and are once again putting up double-digit points, but it’s Williams’ newest addition that’s made the Aggies so dangerous. SMU transfer Zhuric Phelps leads the team with 17 PPG, and he and Taylor should push the Buckeyes’ backcourt.
In a game with so much scoring talent, I expect these teams to combine for close to 152 points.
Ohio State vs Texas A&M same-game parlay
Over 146.5
Bruce Thornton Over 14.5 points
Wade Taylor Over 16.5 points
Since Thornton stepped on campus in 2022, he’s been one of Ohio State’s most consistent scorers. And he’s only gotten better under Diebler.
The junior put up 15.7 PPG last season and opened this year with a 20-point showing against Texas. His improved 3-point shooting should help him reach 15-plus against the Aggies after he went Over 14.5 in 16 of 35 games last year - that includes putting up 24 against Texas A&M
The Aggies won that game because Taylor put up 21, and he could be the difference again. The two-time All-SEC guard averaged 19.1 PPG last season and scored at least 17 in 19 of 36 games.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Ohio State vs Texas A&M odds
Ohio State vs Texas A&M live odds
Ohio State vs Texas A&M opening odds
- Spread: Ohio State +4.5 (-110) | Texas A&M -4.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Ohio State (+155) | Texas A&M (-185)
- Over/Under: Over 147 (-110) | Under 147 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Ohio State vs Texas A&M betting trend to know
Texas A&M has hit the game total Over in 23 of its last 37 games (+7.60 Units / 19% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Ohio State vs. Texas A&M.
How to watch Ohio State vs Texas A&M
| Location: | Reed Arena, College Station, TX |
| Date: | Friday, 11-15-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SEC Network |
Ohio State vs Texas A&M key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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