Get your brackets set; it’s time for chaos.
The TCU Horned Frogs face off with the Ohio State Buckeyes as 2.5-point underdogs to begin the March Madness Tournament, with tip-off expected for 12:15 p.m. ET.
The Buckeyes are playing their best basketball of the season, having just given No. 1 seed Michigan all they could handle in the Big Ten semifinals over the weekend.
Ohio State (21-12) has had a tough schedule this season, but really rounded into form to close the season, winning four straight games including a home triumph over then-No. 8 Purdue.
They also recently notched a 17-point win over then-No. 24 Wisconsin.
Being a No. 8 seed is an feat many didn’t expect the Buckeyes to achieve this season after struggling against the likes of Notre Dame (win), Pittsburgh (loss) and West Virginia (win) earlier this season.
Ohio State vs. TCU prediction
Bruce Thornton has been the do-it-all star for the Buckeyes, helping defeat the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Tournament as an underdog.
Thornton has evolved into an elite guard to lead the turnaround, an opinion that is shared by every ranking outlet that’s worth following.
KenPom rates Ohio State at No. 26, while TCU sits at No. 43. Bart Torvik’s data has the Buckeyes at No. 23 and TCU at No. 49. FTN’s rankings log Ohio State at No. 31 and TCU at No. 41.
Essentially, no one thinks that TCU (22-11) is better than Ohio State.
The Horned Frogs are about middle-of-the-pack nationally and have been known to go cold for stretches.
They are anchored by a strong defense that ranked 23rd in Division I, according to KenPom.
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This game could turn into a rock fight if TCU has its way, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Horned Frogs will win.
Ohio State is the team to target here as the squad that is in better form right now.
PREDICTION: Ohio State -2.5 (+100, Kalshi)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Erich Richter is a brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt but he has a black belt in MMA betting. During the football season he’s showcased massive profits at The Post in the player prop market the last two seasons. While constantly betting long shots, his return on investment is 30.15 percent since 2022.
