The UNC Tar Heels will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in a highly anticipated matchup this Saturday, December 20, 2023, at the State Farm Arena. With a current record of 10-1, UNC holds the No. 12 ranking in the latest AP poll, while Ohio State, at 8-2, is looking to prove itself against a formidable opponent. This game marks the second contest of the day in the annual CBS Sports Classic.
Betting Odds and Trends
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the odds for the game are as follows:
- Spread: Ohio State +4.5 (-120), UNC -4.5 (-102)
- Moneyline: Ohio State +168, UNC -205
- Total Points: OVER 154.5 (-110), UNDER 154.5 (-110)
In terms of betting trends, UNC has performed well against the spread, boasting a record of 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games. Notably, the Tar Heels have gone UNDER in their last five contests and are 6-1 ATS in their previous seven games against Ohio State. Conversely, Ohio State has struggled recently, with a 5-12 ATS record in its last 17 games and only 1-5 ATS against ACC opponents.
Key Players to Watch
One player to keep an eye on is Bruce Thornton, a guard for Ohio State. Thornton is currently eighth in the nation for points per game, averaging an impressive 21.8. His recent performances include a standout 34-point game against Illinois and a solid 23-point effort against West Virginia. His ability to score could be pivotal for Ohio State as they seek an upset victory.
On the other side, UNC’s defense has been strong this season, yet they rank only 82nd in effective field goal percentage, which could be a concern if their shooting falters against a skilled Ohio State squad.
Game Prediction
Ohio State is being viewed as an underrated team in this matchup, capable of pushing UNC into challenging situations. The Buckeyes rank 13th in the country in effective field goal percentage, illustrating their offensive efficiency. If Thornton maintains his scoring prowess, Ohio State could capitalize on any cold streaks from the Tar Heels.
Given these factors, the recommendation is to take Ohio State with the points, making them a compelling pick at +4.5 (-120) on FanDuel.
As the game approaches, fans can look forward to a thrilling contest that showcases the talents of both teams. For those interested in betting, creating a new FanDuel Sportsbook account allows for a potential bonus of $150 in bets with a minimum wager of $5.
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