Oregon Bounces Back with Win Over Maryland, Ohio State Escapes Minnesota
Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Oregon Ducks (13-2 SU, 8-7 ATS) will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes (10-5 SU, 9-6 ATS) in an exciting Big Ten basketball clash at Value City Arena on Thursday night. Both teams come into the game with 2-2 records in conference play, making this matchup crucial for their positioning within the Big Ten standings. Ohio State enters the game as 1.5-point favorites, with the total set at 150.5 points.
The Ducks are fresh off a thrilling 83-79 win over Maryland on January 5, where they came back from a 13-point deficit to secure the victory. Oregon is looking to build on that momentum after a tough home loss to Illinois. Meanwhile, Ohio State eked out an 89-88 double-overtime win over Minnesota on January 6, despite struggling with their shooting. Both teams will need to sharpen their execution as they aim to make their mark in the Big Ten.
Oregon Ducks: Key Players and Game Strategy
After a disheartening loss to Illinois, the Oregon Ducks bounced back with an impressive win over Maryland. Trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half, Oregon went on a pivotal 13-2 run to close the gap before halftime. In the second half, the Ducks outscored the Terps 41-34, propelled by a standout performance from sophomore guard Jackson Shelstad. Shelstad finished with 23 points on 8-of-10 shooting and played a major role in securing their first Big Ten home victory of the season.
Senior center Nate Bittle continues to be the heart of Oregon’s offense, leading the team with 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. Bittle’s presence in the paint will be crucial as the Ducks look to control the glass and protect the rim against Ohio State’s physical play. Other key contributors include Keeshawn Barthelemy, who is averaging 10.0 points and 1.5 steals per game, and TJ Bamba, with 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Both will play significant roles in the backcourt against Ohio State’s defense.
On the statistical front, KenPom ranks Oregon as the 27th-best team in the nation, with the Ducks sitting 21st in offensive efficiency and 46th in defensive efficiency. Offensively, Oregon scores 79.6 points per game, shooting 46.6% from the field, including 34.8% from three. Defensively, they allow 69.4 points per game, with opponents shooting 41.2% from the field.
Ohio State Buckeyes: The Pressure Is On for a Strong Showing
The Ohio State Buckeyes faced a tough test in their latest game, a double-overtime victory over Minnesota. Despite poor free-throw shooting from the Golden Gophers (12-for-27), Ohio State managed to hold on for the win, although their own shooting was far from efficient. The Buckeyes shot just 42.9% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range, leaving a lot to be desired in terms of execution. However, their resilience and clutch plays allowed them to escape with the win.
Bruce Thornton, a dynamic junior guard, leads the Buckeyes in scoring with 16.9 points per game, along with 4.5 assists. Thornton’s ability to drive to the basket and facilitate Ohio State’s offense will be key against a fast-paced Oregon team. Sophomore forward Devin Royal, who averages 14.6 points and 7.3 rebounds, will be important as he provides a strong presence on both ends of the floor. Freshman guard John Mobley Jr. (11.9 points, 44.3% from three) is also a deep threat and a potential game-changer for the Buckeyes.
KenPom ranks Ohio State 31st overall, with the team rated 31st in offensive efficiency and 41st in defensive efficiency. The Buckeyes average 81.8 points per game, shooting 49.0% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc. However, they struggle defensively, giving up 71.0 points per game, and allowing opponents to shoot 39.1% from the field and 28.9% from three-point range.
Conclusion
Despite both teams being evenly matched, Oregon has the advantage defensively. The Ducks’ ability to limit scoring opportunities, especially from three, will be pivotal in slowing down Ohio State’s high-powered offense. Meanwhile, Ohio State will need to shore up its defense and improve its shooting efficiency to overcome a talented Ducks squad.
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