Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes 12/3/23 – As the NCAA Men’s Basketball season progresses, basketball fans are in for an exciting showdown between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Ohio State Buckeyes. This clash promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable teams, with both squads eyeing victory at the Value City Arena. Let’s dive into the key players, team stats, and betting odds to get a comprehensive preview of this exciting matchup. And if you’re feeling lucky, don’t forget to check out the top online casino options for some extra excitement.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes 12/3/23
| When: | Sunday, December 3, 6:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Value City Arena |
| TV: | BTN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Gophers | +13 -110 | o144 -110 | +765 |  |
| Buckeyes | -13 -110 | u144 -110 | -1373 | |
| ||||
The #Gophers open B1G play tomorrow night in Columbus.
Game Preview: https://t.co/N6vEJu9nC3 pic.twitter.com/NFSYABAM0I
— Minnesota Men's Basketball (@GopherMBB) December 2, 2023
Dawson Garcia (Forward) vs. Bruce Thornton (Guard)
Minnesota forward Dawson Garcia is having an excellent start to his debut season for the Gophers after transferring from North Carolina. In 7 games, the 6’11” junior is averaging 18.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. He has displayed his versatile inside-out scoring ability and ranks 5th in the Big Ten with a 58.6% effective field goal percentage. Garcia’s length also makes him a tough matchup on the defensive end. He will need to stay out of foul trouble against Ohio State’s potent offense.
Bruce Thornton has been a breakout performer for the Buckeyes early on in his freshman campaign. The starting guard is putting up 18.3 points and 4.4 assists per contest while shooting the three ball at a 41% clip. Thornton is a skilled playmaker off the bounce, capable of breaking down defenders and scoring at all three levels. He will have his hands full trying to contain the multidimensional Garcia. But his quickness could also give the big man some issues chasing him around screens.
This individual matchup pits a talented upperclassman versus a young phenom. Whichever player gets the better of this battle will give his team a big edge. If Garcia can exploit his size advantage down low while limiting Thornton’s touches, Minnesota’s chances go way up. But if the freshman can penetrate and facilitate while containing Garcia’s production, Ohio State should roll at home.
Analyzing Key Golden Gophers Statistics
Despite their 5-2 record, Minnesota has largely struggled offensively aside from Dawson Garcia’s one-man production. As a team, the Gophers rank 10th in the conference in points per game (79.7) and 3-point shooting percentage (33.3%). Their scoring depth lags behind elite teams like Ohio State. However, Minnesota crashes the glass well, pulling down 41.6 boards per contest (4th in Big Ten). Controlling the backboards and generating easy second-chance looks will be vital to any upset bid.
Examining Crucial Buckeyes Metrics
The Buckeyes have been phenomenal on the offensive end, leading the conference in scoring (80 ppg), field goal percentage (47.3%) and 3-point shooting (38.6%). Their balanced attack features 4 players averaging double figures, led by Bruce Thornton’s 18.3 points per game. Ohio State also does a great job taking care of the basketball, committing the fewest turnovers in the Big Ten (10.1 per game). Forcing mistakes and limiting extra possessions will be key for Minnesota to hang around.
NCAAB Betting Odds: Ohio State Buckeyes -1373, Over/Under: 144
The oddsmakers and metrics love the Buckeyes in this Big Ten tilt. Our model projects Ohio State as 13.5 point favorites. So taking Minnesota and the points provides some value there. The Gophers defense has also played better of late, giving up just 63 points over their last two contests. Expect them to slow the pace and try to ugly things up. So the Under looks appealing as well in what should be a defensive struggle.
Trends
Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Trends
Minnesota are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games.
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota’s last 15 games.
Minnesota are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games.
Golden Gophers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games against Ohio State.
Minnesota are 6-14 SU in their last 20 games against Ohio State.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota’s last 5 games on the road.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends
Ohio State are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ohio State’s last 7 games.
Ohio State are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ohio State’s last 6 games against Minnesota.
Ohio State are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home.
Ohio State are 11-2 SU in their last 13 games when playing at home against Minnesota.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Picks
Our model projects Ohio State as 13.5 point favorites, so taking Minnesota +13 provides some nice value there against the number. The Buckeyes offense looks largely unstoppable right now behind Bruce Thornton. But the Gophers have defended well recently and play a slow, mucky brand of basketball. Expect them to ugly things up and hang around.
Dawson Garcia’s matchup against Thornton will be one to watch. Getting him going inside and controlling the glass will be key for Minnesota to hang tough. The Under also holds some value with two solid defenses and contrasting tempos.
For our free NCAAB betting picks, take Minnesota +13 and the Under 144. Look for the Gophers to keep it close for awhile before Ohio State pulls away late to win 73-63.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 73, Minnesota 63
