As the college basketball season heats up, the margin for error is shrinking for teams on the tournament bubble. With Selection Sunday looming, every game counts, and this weekend's matchup between Penn State and Ohio State is no exception. The Nittany Lions, currently languishing at 0-8 in conference play, are in dire need of a statement victory to bolster their tournament resume. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes are looking to build on their solid 5-4 conference record and cement their position in the field.
According to the latest NET rankings, Ohio State sits comfortably at 36, with a respectable quad record of 1-5 in Quad 1 games, 3-1 in Quad 2, and a perfect 6-0 in Quad 4. In contrast, Penn State's 134 NET ranking and 0-5 Quad 1 record make this game a must-have for their tournament hopes. The CHD Scout prediction has Ohio State emerging victorious by a 10-point margin, with an 81.8% win probability, which is hardly surprising given the Buckeyes' strong recent form, having won two of their last three games.
This matchup is particularly significant for Penn State, as a win would not only be a major upset but also a crucial Quad 1 victory. The Nittany Lions have been struggling to find their footing, currently mired in a three-game losing streak. Unfortunately, there's no notable player momentum to speak of, which means they'll need to rely on a collective effort to take down the Buckeyes. On the other hand, Ohio State want to capitalize on their home-court advantage and exploit Penn State's weaknesses to secure a vital win.
CHD Scout Prediction
Penn State
71
Ohio State
82
Given the stakes and the teams' current form, it's difficult to envision a scenario where Penn State pulls off the upset. The Buckeyes' strong defense and balanced offense should prove too much for the Nittany Lions to handle. Expect Ohio State to come out on top, likely by a margin close to the predicted 10 points. With their superior NET ranking, stronger quad record, and home-court advantage, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to take care of business and further solidify their tournament standing. Prediction: Ohio State wins 82-71, covering the predicted margin and taking a significant step towards securing their tournament spot.