Thursday, March 20, 9:15 AM on CBS

First Niagara Center, Buffalo, New York

Opening Lines & Odds - Ohio State - 6 -- Over/Under: 131.5

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Ohio State was shocked a year ago by Wichita State in the Elite 8 and that upset has taught them not to take any team lightly, including in-state foe Dayton who they'll meet Thursday at 12:15 ET. The teams will travel to the First Niagara Arena in Buffalo for the opening round contest and one would think that Ohio State by will have the fan momentum. Oddsmakers are counting on that as they've opened Ohio State as early 6 point favorites.

Buckeye seniors Aaron Craft and Lenzelle Smith Jr. lace up the sneakers for one last tournament run. The two have impressive March resumes that include a Final Four run as sophomores and an Elite Eight trip a year ago. Ohio State was 3 points away from a berth in the Big Ten Championship Game after falling 72-69 to Michigan but in hindsight the extra day of rest for the 25-9 Buckeyes could prove valuable for a deep tourney run.

The 23-10 Dayton Flyers feel they have what it takes to pull off the 11-6 upset because of balanced scoring and impressive play down the stretch. Three players average double figures for Dayton while a fourth, Vee Sanford, erupted for 23 points in the A-10 Tournament. Dayton won 10 of 12 straight up to close out the year while going 8-4 ATS.

ATS Trends

Ohio State is 15-18-0 ATS this season

Ohio State is 13-17-0 against the over/under this season

Dayton is 17-12-0 ATS this season

Dayton is 14-12-0 against the over/under this season

Injuries to Watch

Ohio State

No Key Injuries to Report

Dayton

No Key Injuries to Report

Josh's Picks: Take OSU

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