Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Prediction and Betting Tips

The Ohio State Buckeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers are set to clash in a pivotal Big Ten showdown on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. Both teams are fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives, making this game a must-watch for college basketball fans. With the Buckeyes looking to build momentum and the Cornhuskers aiming to extend their winning streak, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest. In this article, we’ll break down the game, provide predictions, and offer betting tips to help you make informed decisions.

Game Overview

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes (14-9, 6-6 Big Ten) are coming off a dramatic 73-70 comeback win over Maryland, where junior guard Bruce Thornton exploded for 31 points, including 21 in the second half. Thornton has been the heart and soul of this team, averaging 17.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game this season. His ability to take over games in clutch moments makes him a key player to watch.

Ohio State’s offense ranks 7th in the Big Ten in scoring, averaging 79.7 points per game. They are also one of the best three-point shooting teams in the conference, hitting 37.4% from beyond the arc. Defensively, the Buckeyes are solid, ranking 4th in field goal defense and 1st in three-point defense in the Big Ten.

However, the Buckeyes have struggled with consistency, especially on the road. They’ve shown resilience, as evidenced by their comeback against Maryland, but their inability to maintain leads has been a concern.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Cornhuskers (15-8, 5-7 Big Ten) are riding a three-game winning streak, including an impressive 86-72 victory over Washington. Brice Williams has been the standout performer, averaging 19.2 points per game and stepping up as a go-to scorer in crunch time. Juwan Gary has also been a key contributor, averaging 12.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.

Nebraska’s offense has been inconsistent, ranking 14th in the Big Ten in scoring. However, their defense has improved during their winning streak, allowing just 70.3 points per game. The Cornhuskers are also strong at home, boasting a 13-2 record at Pinnacle Bank Arena this season.

Key Matchups

1. Bruce Thornton vs. Brice Williams
   Thornton’s ability to score and facilitate will be crucial for Ohio State. Williams, on the other hand, has been Nebraska’s primary offensive weapon. The battle between these two stars could decide the outcome of the game.
2. Three-Point Shooting
   Ohio State ranks 28th nationally in three-point shooting (37.2%), while Nebraska allows opponents to shoot 33.4% from beyond the arc. If the Buckeyes can exploit this weakness, they could gain a significant advantage.
3. Rebounding Battle
   Both teams rank in the top 50 nationally in rebounding margin. Nebraska’s ability to control the boards, especially on the offensive end, could be a deciding factor.

Betting Odds and Trends

• Spread: Nebraska -1.5
• Moneyline: Nebraska -125, Ohio State +105
• Total: 144 points

Betting Trends

• Ohio State is 14-9 against the spread (ATS) this season, while Nebraska is 13-10 ATS3.
• The Buckeyes have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games, while the Cornhuskers are 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games.
• The total has gone under in 10 of Ohio State’s games and 11 of Nebraska’s games this season.

Prediction

This game is a toss-up, with both teams having strengths and weaknesses that could swing the outcome. Ohio State’s three-point shooting and Thornton’s clutch play give them an edge, but Nebraska’s home-court advantage and improved defense make them a tough opponent.

Final Score Prediction: Ohio State 76, Nebraska 73.

Betting Tips

1. Take Ohio State +1.5
   The Buckeyes have been resilient on the road and have the offensive firepower to cover the spread.
2. Bet the Under 144
   Both teams have strong defenses, and the total has gone under in a majority of their games this season.
3. Player Prop: Bruce Thornton Over 18 Points
   Thornton has been on a tear recently, averaging 18.3 points over his last 10 games. Betting on him to exceed his points prop is a solid option.

Conclusion

The Ohio State Buckeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers are both fighting for their postseason lives, making this a high-stakes matchup. With star players like Bruce Thornton and Brice Williams leading the way, this game promises to be a thrilling contest. Whether you’re a fan or a bettor, keep an eye on the key matchups and trends to make the most of this exciting game.

For more betting tips and analysis, check out the latest odds and insights from trusted sportsbooks. Good luck, and enjoy the game!