The Ohio State Buckeyes are set to face the Kentucky Wildcats on December 21, 2024, at Madison Square Garden as part of the CBS Sports Classic. The game is scheduled to tip off at 5:30 PM ET and will be broadcast on CBS.
**Team Records and Recent Performance**
Kentucky, under new head coach Mark Pope, boasts a 10-1 record with significant victories over Duke, Gonzaga, and Louisville. Their sole loss came against Clemson in their first true road game. The Wildcats have demonstrated resilience, notably defeating Gonzaga in Seattle without their starting point guard.
Ohio State, led by first-year head coach Jake Diebler, holds a 7-4 record. The Buckeyes have been inconsistent, with notable wins against Texas and Rutgers but also a significant 91-53 loss to Auburn. They are a strong three-point shooting team, hitting 41% from beyond the arc, but will be missing key player Meechie Johnson due to injury.
**Betting Odds and Predictions**
As of December 21, 2024, Kentucky is favored by 8.5 points. The over/under for total points scored is set at 160.5.
Prediction models and experts largely favor Kentucky:
– **Covers.com** predicts Kentucky will cover the -8.5 spread, citing their strong start under Coach Pope and recent performances.
– **BetMGM**’s model gives Kentucky an 80% confidence to win, suggesting they will cover the -8.5 spread.
– **OddsTrader**’s AI Model projects a 10-point victory for Kentucky, recommending taking Kentucky at -8.5.
– **Pickswise** advises betting on Kentucky at -7.5, playable up to -8, indicating confidence in the Wildcats covering the spread.
**Key Players to Watch**
For Ohio State, key players include:
– **Devin Royal**: A versatile forward contributing significantly in scoring and rebounding.
– **Bruce Thornton**: A dynamic guard known for his playmaking abilities.
– **John Mobley Jr.**: A sharpshooter who can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting.
Kentucky will look to:
– **Capitalize on their rebounding strength**, particularly on the offensive glass, to create second-chance opportunities.
– **Leverage their improved shooting** to maintain offensive efficiency.
– **Maintain defensive intensity** to disrupt Ohio State’s perimeter shooting.
**Historical Context**
Kentucky has not beaten Ohio State since the 2011 NCAA East Regional Semifinals. In the CBS Sports Classic, Kentucky holds a 0-2 record against Ohio State, adding a layer of motivation for the Wildcats to secure a victory in this matchup.
**Conclusion**
Considering Kentucky’s strong start to the season, their depth, and Ohio State’s recent struggles and key injury absences, the Wildcats are well-positioned to cover the -8.5 spread. Bettors might also consider the over on the total points, given both teams’ offensive capabilities. However, it’s essential to monitor any last-minute developments or lineup changes that could impact the game’s dynamics.
