2:00 pm
March 11

Big Ten Tournament: Minnesota v. #9 Ohio State

Who will WIN this matchup?

Minnesota Golden Gophers (14-14)

#9 Ohio State Buckeyes (18-8)

 

Current odds:

Minnesota Golden Gophers: (+475)

Ohio State Buckeyes: (-700)

 

• The spread for the game is Ohio State by 11 points.

• Ohio State opens Big Ten tournament play looking to end a four-game losing streak when it faces Minnesota on Thursday in Indianapolis, Ind. Minnesota (14-14) knows something about streaking in the wrong direction. The No. 13 seed Golden Gophers defeated No. 12 Northwestern 51-46 on Wednesday with a 12-0 run to end the game to break a seven-game losing skid.

• The No. 5 seed Buckeyes (18-8) lost 77-60 to Minnesota on Jan. 3 in the lone meeting. Liam Robbins led five Golden Gophers in double figures with 27 points and 14 rebounds in that game and Gabe Kalscheur had 13 points. Neither played against Northwestern because of injuries, with Kalscheur missing his seventh straight game and Robbins his fifth in a row. Their availability for Thursday is unknown.

• Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann said his players remain positive despite the tailspin. The Buckeyes were projected to be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament three weeks ago but had home losses to Michigan, Iowa and Illinois and a setback at Michigan State. Other than being blown out 73-57 by the Hawkeyes, the common theme was Buckeyes were in position to win until faltering.

• The Golden Gophers will have to be wary of Ohio State leading scorer E.J. Liddell (16.0 points per game), who was named first-team All-Big Ten by the coaches.

7/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
#9 Ohio State Buckeyes
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