Picks for 1/5/26
College Basketball
6:30 PM EST
Rotation # 874
Ohio State -2.5 over Nebraska (loss)
Nebraska is an improved basketball team, but I don’t trust them to secure rebounds. Size isn’t an issue for them, so they must show more toughness if they want to stay on top of the BIG 10. The Cornhuskers are going to live and die by the three-point shot and take advantage of teams turning the ball over. In their last game, Nebraska scored almost 70 percent of its total points from behind the three-point line and took advantage of 21 Michigan State turnovers to barely grab the win. You simply can’t bank on those outcomes playing themselves out, especially on the road. The Buckeys have done a decent job in the paint, and if they can do so again tonight, it will put pressure on Nebraska to make a high percentage of three-pointers. The Buckeyes have a decent offense led by senior guard Bruce Thornton. Santa Clara transfer Christoph Tilly is great around the rim and should grab rebounds, redirect shots, and score in the paint. Having a seven-foot center is a tremendous asset. Look for the Buckeyes to pick up the pace a bit and lean on the home-crowd advantage. Take Ohio State.