Date: Friday, January 3, 2025
Venue: Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH
Broadcast: FOX
The Schottenstein Center will host the intense clash between the Ohio State Buckeyes (9-4) and the Michigan State Spartans (10-2) this Friday.
In their previous contest, the Michigan State Spartans secured a decisive victory over Florida Atlantic with a final score of 86-69. The Spartans showcased an impressive field goal percentage of 44.9%, converting 31 of 69 attempts, and they were effective from long range, hitting 8 of 21 three-point shots. At the charity stripe, Michigan State demonstrated accuracy, sinking 16 of 20 free throws for an 80% success rate. They dominated the boards with a total of 48 rebounds, including 14 offensive boards, and provided 21 assists while forcing 9 turnovers and achieving 3 steals on defense. Conversely, Florida Atlantic managed to shoot 39.7% from the floor, making 27 of 68 attempts, and tallied 34 rebounds (9 offensive, 25 defensive), but did not record any blocks. They shot 78.6% from free throw range, converting 11 of 14 attempts, yet struggled from beyond the arc with only 4 successful shots out of 22 attempts. The foul count stood at 17 for the Spartans and 22 for Florida Atlantic.
Coen Carr emerged as a standout performer for Michigan State, scoring 17 points on 7 of 9 shooting in just 23 minutes of play. He also grabbed 8 rebounds, showcasing his efficiency with a field goal percentage of 77.8% but did not register any assists.
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As they head into this matchup, the Spartans hold a 10-2 record for the season. They average 82.2 points per game (ranking 56th nationally) while posting a commendable field goal percentage of 47.4%. From three-point territory, Michigan State has converted 28.7% of their attempts (70 of 244) and boasts an impressive free-throw shooting percentage of 80.6%. On the rebounding front, they average 42.4 boards per game and have accumulated 217 assists, ranking them 60th in Division 1 for team assists. However, they also average 11.8 turnovers and commit around 15.9 fouls per game.
Defensively, the Spartans manage to force opponents into an average of 11.6 turnovers while committing 20.5 personal fouls. They restrict opponents’ shooting from beyond the arc to 30.0% and rank 94th in Division 1 by allowing an average of 67.5 points per game. Overall, Michigan State’s opponents have shot 40.1% from the field (288 of 719) and average 30.3 rebounds against them, positioning Michigan State at 150th in the nation in assists allowed, having given up 160 assists this season.
In their recent matchup, the Ohio State Buckeyes triumphed, defeating Indiana State 103-83. The Buckeyes faced challenges on the boards, allowing 31 rebounds (9 offensive) to Indiana State. Ohio State posted a three-point shooting percentage of 35.7%, successfully converting 10 out of 28 attempts and finishing 27 of 32 from the free-throw line, translating to 84.4% accuracy. Defensively, they allowed Indiana State to make 23 of 54 field goal attempts, resulting in a shooting percentage of 42.6%. Overall, the Buckeyes shot 55.7% (34 of 61) from the field, including 33.3% from beyond the arc, hitting 7 of 21 attempts. Additionally, Indiana State committed 28 fouls, leading to 41 free throw attempts by the Buckeyes. Ohio State secured 30 total rebounds, including 23 on the defensive end and 7 offensive boards, while achieving 11 steals.
Bruce Thornton was crucial for Ohio State in this game, contributing 33 points in 36 minutes, along with 3 assists. He achieved an impressive shooting rate of 68.8%, making 11 of 16 attempts and pulling down 6 rebounds.
The Buckeyes stand at 9-4 for the season, committing an average of 18.8 fouls per game while shooting 69.7% from the free-throw line. They average 14.9 assists per game (ranked 131st in Division 1) and turn the ball over 10.4 times each game. Ohio State has scored a total of 1,076 points (82.8 points per game) and secures an average of 35.5 rebounds per game. Offensively, they rank 15th in college basketball with a field goal percentage of 50.5%.
Defensive statistics show Ohio State ranking 147th in Division 1 with an average of 69.8 points allowed per game. They force an average of 12.0 turnovers and permit teams to shoot 38.1% from the field (ranking 18th in college basketball). Opponents are hitting 28.4% of their three-point attempts (89 of 313), and they convert 77.5% of their free-throw attempts. Ohio State averages 10.0 assists allowed and 33.5 rebounds permitted per game, placing them at 25th and 143rd in college basketball, respectively.
Free Prediction: Bet on Michigan State (+2.5)
