Ohio State Buckeyes vs UConn Huskies Prediction, Odds, Best Bets - Week 2

No. 4 UConn is 3-0 and allowing 54.7 points per game, hosting an Ohio State team scoring 85.3 behind John Mobley Jr. in Hartford.

The Matchup

UConn, ranked fourth in the AP poll, hosts Ohio State at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford with a 3-0 record and a defense that has allowed only 54.7 points per game this season while scoring 84.7. The Huskies, from the Big East Conference, went 34-6 last season. Ohio State is 2-1 from the Big Ten Conference, scoring 85.3 per game and allowing 77.7 this season after going 21-13 last season.

The numbers here blend this season with last season because both teams have played fewer than eight games, and for UConn that blend pairs a dominant title-level season last year with an even stingier defensive start this fall, led by Braylon Mullins at 17.7 points per game, Silas Demary Jr. at 5.3 assists per game and Na'jai Hines at 7.3 rebounds per game. Ohio State leans heavily on John Mobley Jr., who averages 19.3 points and 5.0 assists per game, with Andrija Jelavic adding 7.3 rebounds per game. Mullins, Demary and Mobley carry no injury designations.

Key Factors

UConn wins games like this by strangling the opponent’s half-court offense. Ohio State has scored freely against lighter competition, but UConn will switch, help and recover without giving Mobley clean airspace, and the Huskies have held every opponent in check this season. Mullins gives UConn efficient scoring without needing high usage, and Demary keeps the offense organized when the pace slows.

Ohio State has the counterpoint scorer to make this interesting. Mobley at 19.3 points per game can create his own shot against set defense, and if he gets hot early the Buckeyes can trade baskets and keep the margin single digits into the late game. Ohio State also scores at 85.3 per game, so UConn cannot coast after building a lead. The Huskies need to win the rebounding battle through Hines and turn defense into separation before the final minutes.

Every pick is published with its line before the game. Odds via consensus sportsbooks at time of writing and move constantly. Must be 21+. If gambling is a problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.