Ohio State vs. UConn Prediction: College Basketball Picks & Odds (Nov. 13)

No. 4 UConn has the toughest two-game stretch in the country coming up, with games against a pair of AP top-12 teams after this game against unranked Ohio State. Still, my Ohio State vs. UConn prediction expects a focused effort from Dan Hurley’s bunch while making the Buckeyes heads spin with his complicated offensive schemes.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday at PeoplesBank Arena, with the Huskies favored by 11.5 points and the total set at 147.5. My college basketball picks focus on each team’s ability to limit assists as the reasoning for my top two player props.

Ohio State vs. UConn picks & odds

See all of our experts' college basketball picks based on the latest college basketball odds.

Picks submitted: Nov. 13 at 7:45 a.m. ET. Odds subject to change. 

Total wagered: 3 units | Profit if all picks win: 2.46 units

Ohio State vs. UConn best bet

UConn -10.5 (-120 via FanDuel)

UConn beat a Michigan team projected to finish third in the Big Ten by eight points (it led by as many as 18) in a semi-home game in Boston. Thus, I fully believe UConn can beat an Ohio State team projected to finish eighth in the conference by double digits in what is a true home environment in Hartford.

When I went 2-0 predicting the BYU vs. Ohio State game from last week with a Cougars cover and the Over on their team total, I correctly surmised that the Buckeyes would have difficulty defending a lineup of five players who all shot 39% or better from beyond the arc last season. While UConn doesn’t have as many floor stretchers, it makes up for it with an elite balance of inside playmaking and creative sets that have led to a top-23 ranking in adjusted offensive efficiency. 

Play to: -11.5 (-110)

Score prediction: UConn 82, Ohio State 68

Ohio State vs. UConn player props

Follow all of our college basketball analysis and expert predictions this season.

John Mobley Under 3.5 assists (-150 via bet365)

UConn ranks seventh nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, and one of its biggest strengths is limiting catch-and-shoot opportunities while funneling ball-handlers into its elite shot blockers.

UConn’s championship game last year against Michigan feature just 16 total assists, and there were only 22 total in this year’s rematch. But true to form, the Huskies held Elliot Cadeau to three assists (and five turnovers) last week. Cadeau then promptly increased his assist rate to 31.1% with a 10-assist performance in his next game.

I expect the Huskies to put similar clamps on John Mobley, whose line is inflated after a season-high seven assists against a BYU defense that is much more pack-line oriented.

Play to:

Silas Demary Over 15.5 points (-104 via FanDuel)

Surprisingly, Ohio State is one of the few teams that allows a lower assist rate than UConn. Part of that is because of the recent competition of playing Youngstown State and Marshall, but nonetheless I expect a big day from Silas Demary if the Buckeyes force the Huskies into playing isolation basketball.

Demary’s 131.8 offensive rating is on pace to increase for the fourth consecutive year. It’s clear that Dan Hurley will ride his top point guard, as Demary played 90% of the team’s minutes against Michigan.

Demary has room for improvement from his 14.7 points average as his 36.4% 3-point and 62.5% free throw percentage are all on pace to be his worst of the last three seasons. He should be a focal point of the offense while Nik Khamenia is out with a foot injury.

Play to:

Live Ohio State vs. UConn odds

See the latest odds movement and more on our Ohio State vs. UConn matchup page.

Latest Ohio State vs. UConn injuries

Ohio State:

• None

UConn:

• Nik Khamenia, F (Foot) - Out
• Solo Ball, G (Wrist) - Out

How to watch Ohio State vs. UConn

• Date: Friday, Nov. 13
• Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: PeoplesBank Arena (Hartford, Conn.)
• TV/Streaming: TNT