Nebraska vs. Ohio State Big Ten Basketball Bet Preview for January 21, 2022

The No. 19 Ohio State Buckeyes will host the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a Big Ten showdown on Saturday afternoon at 2:15 p.m. The Buckeyes are fourth in the Big Ten with a record of 5-2 in conference play and 12-4 overall. 

The Cornhuskers have struggled immensely this year and haven’t won a single game in Big Ten play at 0-8. Their record is 6-13 overall as they struggle through a six-game losing streak. They are last in the Big Ten.

Let’s take an early look ahead at this weekend's matchup.

Preview

Nebraska looks outmatched in this contest. The Buckeyes have won their last three out of four, which included a loss to highly ranked Wisconsin. They have played well enough in conference play, but as the Big Ten schedule goes into full swing, no game will be an easy win for the Buckeyes.

Nebraska has had some close losses, but their wins don’t consist of any against quality opponents which should be worrisome for the Cornhuskers coming into this game against the Buckeyes. They will be looking for their first Big Ten win, but I don’t expect them to get the best of the Buckeyes in Columbus.

Keys to the Game

For the Buckeyes, EJ Liddell will continue to be their key to how far they can go in March. He is averaging 19.4 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 51.2% from the floor. That is not to say that this Ohio State team doesn’t have more talent outside of Liddell. Freshman Malaki Branham and experienced senior Kyle Young bring out different dimensions for the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes rank 24th in two-point field goal percentage at 55.8% and 22nd in three-point percentage which has helped their offense capitalize on their opportunities when they have the ball. On the defensive end, Ohio State limit their opponents to shooting 40.7% overall and 45.4% from inside the three-point line.

The Corn Husker offense consists of a dual-threat guard setup between Bryce McGowens and Alonzo Verge Jr. Bryce McGowens leads the Nebraska team in scoring with 15.7 points per game. He is shooting around 40% from the floor. Verge Jr. is averaging 14.3 points per game with 4.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 43.3% from the floor.

Nebraska excels more in their games when they can maximize their possessions and have done well this season, ranking 71st in field goals attempted this season. Their issue is converting those opportunities into points as they rank 169th in shooting percentage at 43.6%. Their defense is their main weak point, giving up 79.1 points per game which ranks 333rd in the nation.

Expected Outcome

The Buckeyes will win this game with ease, but the question is by how much? I expect Ohio State to win this game by 10-15 points because the Nebraska defense will not be able to slow down the efficient Ohio State offense.