Auburn Tigers vs Ohio State Buckeyes Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

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Johni Broome, No. 2 Auburn Set for Clash Against Ohio State in Atlanta

Two teams looking to bolster their résumés ahead of conference play will square off on Saturday afternoon when No. 2 Auburn faces Ohio State in a marquee matchup in Atlanta. Both programs bring solid credentials to the table, with Auburn riding high after a strong start to the season and Ohio State seeking a signature win to enhance its postseason aspirations.

Auburn’s Dominance and Johni Broome’s Prowess

Auburn (8-1) has pieced together one of the most impressive pre-conference campaigns in recent memory, notching victories over then-top-12 teams Houston, Iowa State, and North Carolina—all on the road. The Tigers’ lone blemish came against then-No. 9 Duke, highlighting the competitive schedule they’ve faced.

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At the heart of Auburn’s success is forward Johni Broome, who has established himself as a frontrunner for national player of the year honors. Broome leads the Tigers in scoring (19.6 points per game), rebounding (11.9), and blocks (2.8), showcasing his ability to impact the game on multiple levels. His versatility has opened opportunities for Auburn’s sharpshooters, including Chad Baker-Mazara (13.1 ppg, 47.1% from 3), Tahaad Pettiford (11.3 ppg, 42.6%), and Miles Kelly (11 ppg, 49%).

Despite their offensive firepower, the Tigers’ defense remains a work in progress. Auburn ranks 88th nationally in points allowed per game (67.1), a figure that drew coach Bruce Pearl’s ire after their 84-78 loss to Duke. However, Auburn responded with a dominant defensive effort in a 98-54 win over Richmond last Sunday.

“There are certain things that we defend really well,” Pearl said after the Richmond victory. “Ohio State will bring a completely different offensive system in. We’ll take our defensive system and match it up, but that’s just a good matchup for us.”

Ohio State’s Balanced Attack and Uncertainty

Ohio State (6-3) enters the matchup with a balanced scoring approach, featuring five players averaging at least 9.6 points per game. Bruce Thornton leads the way with 16.2 points per game and ranks third nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (5.1). Devin Royal (14.1 ppg) and John Mobley Jr. (12.9) provide additional scoring depth, while 6-foot-9 Sean Stewart anchors the defense.

The Buckeyes face potential lineup challenges, with several key players’ statuses uncertain for Saturday. Ques Glover and Colin White, who have been limited by ankle injuries, remain day-to-day. More significantly, 7-foot-1 center Aaron Bradshaw’s availability is in question. Bradshaw, a consensus top-5 recruit in the Class of 2023, recently returned to the roster after a university investigation sidelined him for five games.

Coach Jake Diebler tempered expectations for Bradshaw’s immediate impact. “The first part is evaluating where he’s at physically after being out for an extended period of time,” Diebler said. “He’s got some room to get back to where he was when you prep for in-season mode.”

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If Bradshaw is unavailable or limited, Stewart will likely be tasked with guarding Broome, a challenge that will test Ohio State’s interior defense. Stewart’s defensive capabilities were on display in the Buckeyes’ 80-66 win over Rutgers on Dec. 7, where he helped contain star freshman Ace Bailey.

Key Matchups

  • Johni Broome vs. Ohio State’s Interior Defense: Broome’s ability to dominate inside will be pivotal. If Bradshaw plays, his size and skillset could provide a strong counter, but Stewart will need to step up if Bradshaw remains sidelined.
  • Auburn’s Perimeter Shooting vs. Ohio State’s Defense: Auburn’s sharpshooters have thrived with Broome drawing defensive attention. Ohio State must close out on shooters to limit the Tigers’ offensive efficiency.
  • Bruce Thornton vs. Auburn’s Defense: Thornton’s ability to control the pace and take care of the ball will be critical for Ohio State’s chances.

What to Watch

  • Auburn’s Defensive Adjustments: Can the Tigers maintain the defensive intensity they displayed against Richmond when facing Ohio State’s diverse offensive threats?
  • Ohio State’s Depth: Injuries and Bradshaw’s fitness level could significantly impact the Buckeyes’ ability to compete against Auburn’s experienced rotation.
  • Momentum for Both Teams: A win in this matchup would serve as a confidence booster and bolster postseason seeding for either program.

Outlook

Auburn enters the game as the clear favorite, given their high ranking, recent form, and Broome’s dominance. However, Ohio State’s balanced scoring and potential return of Bradshaw could make this a closer contest than expected. The game promises to be a high-stakes showdown between two teams eager to make statements before conference play begins.

WinningCappers, The most trusted name in sports handicapping
spread
moneyline
over/under
Auburn Tigers
-12
-110
-700
O 154
-110
Ohio State Buckeyes
+12
-110
500
U 154
-110
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