This Friday matchup between the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (16-10) and the Ohio State Buckeyes (21-9) definitely has huge upset potential. Every year, we seem to get a crazy fifteen over two seed upset that shocks the world. The Golden Eagles are one of the best offensive teams in the country. Don't blink or you may miss an offensive showdown for the ages. This game sees one of the largest totals in the round of 64, which sounds like an exciting game for us binge viewers. Let’s continue our NCAA Odds series and make an Oral Roberts-Ohio State prediction and pick.
Here is how the sportsbooks are lining up this one:
NCAA Odds: Oral Roberts-Ohio State Odds
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles +16.5 (-110)
Ohio State Buckeyes -16.5 (-110)
Over 156.5 Points (-110)
Under 156.5 Points (-110)
Why Oral Roberts Could Cover The Spread
As mentioned in the intro, this is a potent offense that has put up staggering numbers against its Summit League Conference opponents all year. Oral Roberts impressed many in its route to a conference title and March Madness birth. Their championship run included impressive wins against South Dakota State and North Dakota State. The Golden Eagles were the underdogs in both of those matchups. Oral Roberts is riding a hot streak, going 4-0 SU in its past four games and 4-1 ATS in March. Let's take a look at just how good this team is on the offensive end of the floor.
The Golden Eagles had a season for the ages. They finished top-15 in the nation in total score, 3-point percentage, and number one overall in free throw percentage. They also managed to finish within the top-100 in field goal percentage as well. The Golden Eagles light up the scoreboard, thanks in large part to their team leader and offensive superstar, Max Abmas. He leads the nation in scoring at 24.2 points per game and had two 40-point performances in 2021. Going up against an Ohio State team that sports a below-average defense, Oral Roberts should enter with added confidence. It will be interesting to see how Ohio State enters this game after a grueling conference tournament run as well.
Why Ohio State Could Cover The Spread
Ohio State enters Friday's matchup on a hot streak, going 13-6 SU in their last nineteen games. They're also coming off of a very impressive run in the loaded Big 10 tournament. After defeating a one seed in Michigan in the semi-final, the Buckeyes lost a thriller against Illinois in the Big 10 championship. Had they won that game, they very well could've entered the tournament as a one seed. Nevertheless, the Ohio State Buckeyes enter the tournament as a dangerous contender.
Ohio State has found great success in 2021 thanks in large part to their offensive firepower. They finished the season as a top-100 team in total score, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, and free throw percentage. The Buckeyes will certainly be able to keep up with Oral Roberts and their offensive unit and have a clear advantage on the defensive end. Coming in with a record of 15-5 ATS as a favorite this season, Ohio State seems to thrive when they are expected to. There is an interesting trend to look at here as well. Ohio State is 9-0 SU in its last nine against Summit League Conference opponents. Oral Roberts is 0-9 SU in its last nine games against Big 10 opponents. Interesting disparity there for sure.
Final Oral Roberts-Ohio State Prediction & Pick
There is real upset potential here. Maybe it's just a gut reaction when evaluating this matchup, but it is definitely making it difficult when picking a side. The over seems like an easy choice in what should be an offensive thriller. Oral Roberts has a horrendous defense and has hit the over in seven of its past nine games. Ohio State has hit the over in seven of its past nine games in March and 12 of its past 16 in the tournament. On that note, it should be points galore in a game that sees one of the highest totals of the first round.
FINAL PICK: Over 156.5 (-110)
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