Ohio State Buckeyes vs Villanova Wildcats Point Spread Picks

Ohio State enjoyed an impressive win in the first round as it dominated Loyola Chicago, which shot just 26.8%, and Lucas Williamson was held to 1-for-10 shooting and four points. E.J. Liddell scored 16 points for the Buckeyes, who had struggled recently, but they apparently have regained their intensity, especially on defense. Villanova destroyed Delaware 80-60, but the Wildcats are only 3-4-1 ATS their last eight games and pulled out three close wins in their conference tournament. The Wildcats were behind by eight points and then went on a 35-10 run against the Blue Hens. The Buckeyes have covered four straight as underdogs and four in a row versus .600 or higher teams and Ohio State is 13-6 ATS their past 19 neutral site games. Villanova is 0-6 ATS their past six games following an ATS win and is ripe for an upset in this matchup as the Buckeyes shoot 47.2% overall and 36.6% on 3-pointers. Play Ohio State ATS and also on moneyline for a half-unit.

Coach Chris Holtmann has his best team yet in his third year at Ohio State as he returns three starters plus what is rated as the best freshmen class in the Big 10. The Buckeyes have already won their first two games, including an impressive victory against Cincinnati when the Bearcats were held to a .333 shooting percentage. That win was followed by a 20-point win over Massachusetts when the Buckeyes shot nearly 50 percent from the field. The Bickeyes' defense held the Minutemen to 32.8 percent shooting. Kaleb Wesson and D.J. Carton led a balanced scoring attack with 13 points apiece. Villanova always has a formidable squad, but it may take some time to break in some new players especially in the backcourt. The Wildcats blew out Army in their only game, but this will be a much tougher test. The Buckeyes are a small favorite so go with Ohio State on the moneyline.