No. 25 Ohio State vs. No. 17 Duke November 30 Betting Preview

The ACC/Big Ten Challenge provides a good opportunity for Duke and Ohio State to get another look at a team ranked in the Top 25 by the Associated Press. The matchup will be much tougher for the No. 25 Buckeyes, who will have to travel to Cameron Indoor Stadium to take on the No. 17 Blue Devils. But, this matchup doesn’t have quite the luster of past seasons.

Both Duke and Ohio State are still trying to establish what kind of teams they can be. Here’s a look at what to keep an eye out for Wednesday night in Durham.

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Buckeyes Handling Bump Up In Competition

Ohio State opened the season with three cupcake games before heading to the Maui Invitational. After getting up-ended by San Diego State in the first round, the Buckeyes were able to pick up a pair of wins over Cincinnati and Texas Tech. What Ohio State has proven is that they can score with anyone.

The Buckeyes have been scoring 79.3 points per game, which ranks 68th nationally. Against top competition in the Maui, Ohio State scored 77 or more points in all three games. Brice Sensabaugh and Justin Sueing lead the Buckeyes in scoring, turning in 15.8 and 14.5 points per game, respectively.

Zed Key has done a little of everything for Ohio State. The Buckeyes forward is averaging 12.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and .7 blocks per game. When shooting from the field overall, Ohio State shoots 48.1 percent. The Buckeyes have struggled from the perimeter, making 34.1 percent of their three-point shots, which ranks 173rd nationally.

Blue Devils Still Growing Up

Having a replacement already lined up when Coach K meant the Duke machine would have continuity moving forward. Becoming a juggernaut on the floor is something the Blue Devils will likely have to work out over the course of the season. Duke has started the season 6-2, but struggled in big moments.

The Blue Devils melted down in the second half in a loss to defending champion Kansas and got beat up by an experienced Purdue team. The young Blue Devils have struggled to score, putting up 70.8 points per game, which ranks 225th nationally. Duke is also shooting below 30 percent from the three-point line, which doesn’t make the opposing defense space out the floor much.

Kyle Filipowski has led Duke, averaging nearly a double-double by putting up 15.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Jeremy Roach is the only other Blue Devils’ player averaging in double figures scoring, putting in 12.9 points per game.

Odds And Analysis

The Blue Devils are a perfect 4-0 at Cameron Indoor thus far and have been installed as five and a half point favorites. Duke is (-239) on the moneyline, while Ohio State is (+195). The Blue Devils are 4-4 against the spread, while the total has gone under in seven of their eight games. Ohio State is 3-3 against the spread and has seen the over go 3-3 on the total thus far.

Simplty put, it’s hard to win at Duke. While the Blue Devils aren’t the team they were last season, Ohio State will have to play their best game to beat them. If the Buckeyes can score like they have against other teams, Ohio State may be able to pressure the young Blue Devils.