Penn State vs Ohio State Prediction and Odds (Bet the Under Before it Keeps Falling)

The Ohio State Buckeyes tip-off the college basketball Sunday slate when they welcome the Penn State Nittany Lions to Value City Arena in Columbus for a noon ET start.

The Buckeyes remain perfect at home, but come off a 78-68 road loss in Madison to the Wisconsin Badgers Thursday evening, falling to 4-2 in conference play and 10-4 overall.

The Nittany Lions are off to a solid start in conference play, with wins in three of their last four games in the Big Ten, including in their most recent game at home to Rutgers, where they limited the Scarlet Knights to under 34% from the field.

After Ohio State got the best of Penn State back in December, winning by eight on the road, can it sweep the season series?

Here's how the oddsmakers project this Big Ten matchup over at WynnBET Sportsbook:

Penn State vs. Ohio State Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Penn State +9.5 (-110)
• Ohio State -9.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Penn State +350
• Ohio State -470

Total:

• 135 (OVER -105 | UNDER -115)

Penn State vs. Ohio State Prediction and Pick

I'm leaning towards the UNDER in this matchup, especially with some late movement already underway. The opening number was 136.5, and WynnBET in particular made the move quickly down to 135.

This Penn State team is much improved from when both teams played back in early December, particularly on the defensive end. They've given up just 62.75 points per game over their last four matchups, including only 74 to No. 3 Purdue in their only loss during that stretch.

Meanwhile, Ohio State has been hot and cold offensively. In their last home game a week ago, they put up 95 against Northwestern in their hottest shooting outburst of the season, but only scored 51 vs. the Hoosiers in their previous game.

While KenPom ranks Ohio State with the No. 12 best adjusted offensive efficiency in the country, Penn State also plays with the 9th slowest pace of play in the league; ranking 347 out of 358. If they force Ohio State to play their half-court style and not push the tempo, even if they're remarkably efficient, I still see the under playing out in Columbus.

LEAN: UNDER 135 (-115)