Ohio Bobcats vs Central Michigan Chippewas NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/4/25
The Bobcats and Chippewas are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Chippewas will host the game at McGuirk Arena in Mount Pleasant, MI. Ohio is favored by -4.5 in this Mid-American conference showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 147.5 points.
OHIO BOBCATS VS CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Central Michigan Chippewas +4.5
This game will be played at McGuirk Arena at 7:00 ET on Saturday, January 4th.
WHY BET THE CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Chippewas.
- Not only will Central Michigan pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +4.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 147.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.
Will the Bobcats Come Through as Road Favorites?
Ohio improved to 5-6 on the season with a 78-58 win over Austin Peay on Wednesday. The Bobcats, who were -14 point favorites, covered the spread in the victory.
Ohio dominated the first half, leading 49-22 at the break. However, they were outscored 36-29 in the second half. The total points for the game were 136, falling short of the O/U line of 141.5.
Ohio’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 78 points while shooting 52% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 64%, thanks in part to their 50% shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 12 of 24 attempts.
AJ Clayton led the way with 22 points, connecting on 5 of 8 threes, while Sai Witt added 21 points. Jackson Paveletzke was perfect from deep, hitting all 3 of his attempts, and dished out 11 assists to go along with 18 points.
Despite giving up 58 points, Ohio’s defense allowed their opponent to shoot 52% from the field, including 53% from two-point range. They sent the other team to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 14 attempts, good for 73%.
From beyond the arc, Ohio’s opponent shot 50%, hitting 12 of 24 three-point attempts. The Bobcats managed to limit second-chance opportunities, giving up just 5 offensive rebounds.
Do the Chippewas Have What it Takes to Win as Home Underdogs?
Central Michigan Chippewas Recent Game/Games
Central Michigan dropped to 2-6 on the season after a 94-41 loss to Arizona on Saturday, December 21st. The Chippewas were +27.5 point underdogs going into the game and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 135, falling short of the O/U line of 151.5.
Central Michigan trailed 44-23 at halftime and struggled even more in the 2nd half, scoring just 18 points while allowing 50.
Central Michigan’s offense struggled mightily in their last game, managing just 41 points on 25.9% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was only 29.6%, with two-point shooting at 28.9% and three-point shooting at 18.8% (3/16).
At the free-throw line, the Chippewas hit just 55.6% of their attempts (10/18). They recorded 10 offensive rebounds and 5 assists as a team. Caleb Love was a bright spot, scoring 24 points on 9/15 shooting, including 3/8 from beyond the arc.
Central Michigan’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 94 points on 54% shooting from the field. The Chippewas allowed the opposing team to shoot 70% from two-point range, connecting on 26 of 37 attempts.
From beyond the arc, their opponents hit 10 of 29 threes, shooting 34%. Central Michigan also sent them to the free-throw line 13 times, where they made 12, shooting 92%. The Chippewas gave up 12 offensive rebounds.