COLLEGE BASKETBALL
BYU enters with the stronger recent statistical base on offense and at home. The Cougars posted 83.5 points per game last season, and their efficiency numbers show a team that can score in multiple ways: 47.6% shooting overall, 34.5% from three, and 74.7% at the line. Their rebounding rate of 38.1 per game also helps them generate extra possessions and limit second-chance points against them. That combination usually travels well at home, where BYU was nearly unbeatable a year ago. Ohio State is dangerous enough to keep this close. The Buckeyes scored 79.3 points per game and shot 49.3% from the field, while also posting a strong 3-point profile at 35.7% and an offensive rating of 121.4. Defensively, they allowed 72.6 points per game with a defensive rating of 110.7. The issue for the Buckeyes is that their road record was only 5-6, so a difficult environment against a home team that consistently scores well raises the bar for an outright win. This shapes up as a competitive nonconference-style game where execution late may decide it.
BYU’s home strength, better rebounding, and reliable scoring profile give it the edge in a close game against an Ohio State team that is capable but less secure away from home. The Buckeyes have enough offense to keep this within one possession for much of the night, but the Cougars’ balance and home-court edge should be enough to secure a narrow win. Projected final score: BYU Cougars 82, Ohio State Buckeyes 77.
