Ohio State vs Minnesota: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | January 6, 2025

Two Big Ten teams hungry for a win face off tonight in Minneapolis as Ohio State takes on Minnesota. The Buckeyes are coming off a tough, narrow loss to Michigan State, while the Gophers were dismantled by Purdue and are still searching for their first conference victory. Both teams have struggled with consistency but possess offensive firepower capable of exploiting each other’s defensive flaws. Expect a competitive battle where both sides aim to get back on track.

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Ohio State vs Minnesota Odds

Can Ohio State’s offense bounce back after a tough loss to Michigan State?

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.

Spread

Ohio State: -5.5 (-102)

Minnesota: +5.5 (-118)

Total

Over: 136.5 (-105)

Under: 136.5 (-115)

Moneyline

Ohio State: -225

Minnesota: +195

Ohio State vs Minnesota Bet

Two Big Ten teams coming off tough losses clash tonight in Minneapolis. Ohio State fell in a nail-biter to Michigan State on Friday, while Minnesota got steamrolled 81-61 by Purdue on Thursday. Both squads are desperate to bounce back, but we are not worried about picking a side in this one—we are all about the points.

On Friday, Ohio State shot 22-of-60 from the floor and an ugly 7-of-27 from deep. Minnesota, meanwhile, struggled as well, shooting under 50% overall and just 23.5% from three. Both offenses are primed for a rebound tonight.

The Buckeyes have had their issues on the road this season. They struggle to force turnovers, rebound defensively, and avoid fouling—ranking in the high 200s to mid-300s in those categories. Offensively, however, they protect the ball well (ranked 74th in offensive turnover percentage) and perform efficiently against good teams. They rank 81st in three-point percentage and 69th in free throw rate, which should keep them competitive against Minnesota, ranked 132nd per Bart Torvik.

Minnesota boasts the 62nd-ranked home court advantage per Haslametrics, as well as a significant edge in consistency, ranking 121 spots ahead of Ohio State. In five games against top 100 teams, the Gophers have excelled offensively, ranking 58th in two-point percentage, 75th in offensive turnover percentage, and 69th in offensive block percentage. Defensively, though, Minnesota has been shaky. They struggle to defend the three and rarely force turnovers, ranking in the high 200s in both areas.

The pace should be slower, which might make this one a sweat. However, if Ohio State can push the tempo and execute offensively, the over should hit comfortably. Both teams are desperate—Minnesota is still hunting for its first conference win. With the Gophers’ inconsistent defense and the Buckeyes coming off a poor performance, expect a more offense-heavy game than a defensive grind.

POINTS, POINTS, POINTS!