Duke Blue Devils at Ohio State Buckeyes Pick
In developing our NCAAM Duke vs Ohio State prediction, we observe that this is a huge contest for various reasons. Of note, the #1 Duke Blue Devils (7-0 Overall, 0-0 Away) are playing on the road for the first time this season. Plus, it’s an ACC/Big Ten matchup, offering sports bettors, analysts, and fans a barometer for how competitive these teams and conferences are. The Blue Devils are favored at -2.0 (-110). You’ll find the unranked Ohio State Buckeyes (4-2 Overall, 3-0 Home), who are undefeated at home, at +3.0 (-110).
The teams will tip off on Tuesday, Nov 30, 2021, at 9:30 pm ET. The game will be played on OSU’s home court, Value City Arena in Columbus, OH.
Blue Devils at Buckeyes Stats
The Blue Devils lead OSU in just about every major stat. Duke is outpacing the Buckeyes in points per game (85.6-75.3), points against (64.6-69.3), and rebounds (39.4-35.7). In addition, our Duke vs Ohio State prediction has the Blue Devils also topping the Buckeyes in assists (18.3-15.7), steals (9.6-5.2), and field goal percentage (48.7-47.6). Of note, OSU is better in three-point percentage and (37.3-33.1) and blocks (6.0-4.9). Duke brings a slight edge to the charity stripe (74.6-73.9). Overall, the Blue Devils are better statistically.
Duke vs Ohio State Prediction - Players
Although OSU forward E.J. Liddell (22.5 PPG, 6.2 APG, 3.8 BPG) is a massive frontcourt force, the Blue Devils bring an impressive trio to the paint. For Duke, forwards Paolo Banchero and Wendell Moore Jr. and center Mark Williams have a combined shooting percentage of 58.83. Banchero is averaging 18.3 PPG and 7.6 APG, while Moore has been good for 17.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 5.7 APG. Williams, a strong two-way player, is shooting 65.3 percent from the floor while averaging 9.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 3.1 BPG. Along with star forward Liddell, OSU will try to offset the Duke trio with forwards Kyle Young (9.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG), Zed Key (9.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG), and Justin Ahrens (8.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG). Ahrens is shooting 48.3 percent from downtown.
Backcourt
With each averaging 3.3 APG, guards Trevor Keels and Jeremy Roach offer the Blue Devils fine playmaking skills. Keels is putting in 12.3 PPG and grabbing 3.7 RPG. He also has 2.1 SPG. Roach is scoring 9.0 PPG. The OSU backcourt includes three solid shooters, Meechie Johnson Jr. (8.0 PPG), Malachi Branham (5.8 PPG, 3.3 APG), and Jamari Wheeler (5.0). Wheeler is connecting on 53.8 percent of his threes.
Final Word - Duke vs Ohio State Prediction
In our Duke vs Ohio State prediction, we find that if three-pointers rule in this game, then the Buckeyes will win. However, we think that the Blue Devils will control the pace of the game and utilize their solid team dynamic to set up high percentage shots. Plus, despite Liddell’s star quality in the post, Duke should control the boards with their depth and talent in front. We’re taking the Duke Blue Devils at -2.0 (-110).
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Summary - Duke Blue Devils vs Ohio State Pick - Nov. 30, 2021
Spread Pick - Duke Blue Devils -2.0 (-110)
