Ohio Bobcats vs Buffalo Bulls NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/7/25
The Bobcats and Bulls are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Bulls will host the game at Alumni Arena in Buffalo, NY. Ohio is favored by -9.5 in this Mid-American conference contest against Buffalo. The game’s over/under currently sits at 152.5 points.
OHIO BOBCATS VS BUFFALO BULLS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Buffalo Bulls +9.5
This game will be played at Alumni Arena at 7:00 ET on Tuesday, January 7th.
WHY BET THE BUFFALO BULLS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Bulls.
- Not only will Buffalo pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +9.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 152.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.
Do the Bobcats Have What it Takes in Buffalo?
Ohio improved to 6-6 on the season with a narrow 57-55 win over Central Michigan on Saturday. The Bobcats, who were -4.5 favorites, didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 112 fell well short of the 148.5 O/U line.
Ohio led 35-28 at halftime but managed only 22 points in the 2nd half while allowing 27 points to the Chippewas.
Ohio’s offense struggled in their latest game, putting up just 57 points with a field goal percentage of 43.6% (24/55). Their effective field goal percentage was 47.3%, and they shot just 21.7% from three-point range, hitting 5 of 23 attempts. They were more effective inside, connecting on 59.4% of their two-point shots (19/32).
The Bobcats also had a tough time at the free-throw line, making only 4 of 10 attempts. They grabbed 7 offensive rebounds and dished out 14 assists. Jakobi Heady led the team with 15 points, despite shooting 29.4% overall and 25% from three. AJ Brown added 14 points, hitting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc, while Anthony Pritchard contributed 13 points.
Ohio’s defense was impressive, holding their opponent to just 55 points on 32% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team making 18 of 46 shots for 39%.
From beyond the arc, Ohio’s defense was even more effective, allowing just 2 threes on 15 attempts (13%). They did send the opponent to the line 16 times, where they hit 13 free throws (81%). Ohio also gave up 15 offensive rebounds.
Will the Bulls Win at Home?
Buffalo’s season continued to be a struggle as they fell to 3-8 after a 93-79 loss to Miami (OH) on Saturday. The Bulls were +11.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 172 exceeded the O/U line of 150.
Buffalo trailed 46-39 at halftime and couldn’t close the gap in the 2nd half, scoring 40 points while allowing 47.
Buffalo’s offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting 50.9% from the field and hitting 50% of their threes (10/20) in their last game. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 60%, and they also connected on 76.5% of their free throws (13/17).
Ryan Sabol led the way with 25 points, shooting 72.7% overall and 75% from deep (3/4). Brant Byers was perfect from beyond the arc, going 6/6, while Tyson Dunn added 20 points, hitting 3 of 4 threes at a 75% clip.
Buffalo’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 93 points while allowing their opponent to shoot 45% from the field. The Bulls allowed 15 made two-pointers on 37 attempts, a 40% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Buffalo’s defense gave up 17 threes on 34 attempts, a 50% shooting percentage. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 15 times, where they converted 12 attempts, shooting 80%. The Bulls allowed 14 offensive rebounds.