Match Analysis: Ohio Bobcats vs Bethune-Cookman Wildcats – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: November 19, 2025
- Time: 12:00 AM UTC
- Location: Convocation Center, Athens, Ohio
Game Overview
The Ohio Bobcats host the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats in the on-campus matchup of the 2025 Sunshine Slam. This is the first all-time meeting between these two programs. Ohio plays at home where they have an impressive .756 all-time record at the Convocation Center (579-186 since 1968). The Bobcats are 74-18 in the Convo under head coach Boals over the last seven seasons and were 12-3 at home last season. Both teams enter with 1-3 records, though Ohio is 1-1 at home while Bethune-Cookman is 0-3 on the road. The game is designated as Lung Cancer Awareness Night, with Ohio wearing special D.O.N. Issue 7 sneakers.
Key Factors to Consider
- Ohio Bobcats enter with stronger home credentials, posting a 74-18 record at the Convocation Center under their current coaching staff over seven seasons. Senior guard Jackson Paveletzke continues his hot start to the season for the Bobcats. Bethune-Cookman's A. Morris leads the Wildcats with 16.0 PPG but shoots only 39.1% from the field and 52.6% from the free throw line, suggesting inconsistent offensive efficiency. Both teams are 1-3 overall, but the home-court advantage for Ohio is substantial given their historical dominance at the Convocation Center.
- This is the first all-time meeting between Ohio and Bethune-Cookman, eliminating historical head-to-head trends from analysis. However, Ohio's track record against SWAC programs and mid-major opponents at home should favor the Bobcats.
- No specific injury information is provided in available sources regarding key players for either team.
- Bethune-Cookman is traveling to Athens, Ohio for this matchup, placing them in an away environment where they've struggled (0-3 record). The Lung Cancer Awareness Night designation may provide additional emotional motivation for Ohio. This game serves as the on-campus portion of the Sunshine Slam tournament before both teams travel to Daytona Beach, Florida for bracketed games November 24-25.
- Ohio has strong motivation to perform well at home in front of their fan base and maintain their exceptional home record. Bethune-Cookman faces pressure as a road underdog 0-3 away from home, seeking to break their away-game losing streak. The special uniforms and awareness night theme may provide additional emotional fuel for the Bobcats.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Ohio -265 / Bethune-Cookman +210 | Ohio Bobcats Win | β β β β β 72% |
| Spread | Ohio -6.5 (-106) / Bethune-Cookman +6.5 (-114) | Ohio Bobcats Cover -6.5 | β β β ββ 68% |
| Over/under | Over 159.5 (-110) / Under 159.5 (-114) | Under 159.5 | β β β ββ 55% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Ohio Bobcats -0% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Under 159.5 -2% |
π₯ Best Value Pick: Ohio Bobcats at -0% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 0% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Ohio Bobcats are favored to win decisively based on home-court dominance, superior historical performance at the Convocation Center, and Bethune-Cookman's struggles on the road. The 6.5-point spread reflects Ohio's advantage while respecting both teams' 1-3 overall records. Ohio's moneyline odds of -265 indicate approximately 72.6% implied probability of victory, which aligns with their home performance metrics.
Predicted Score: Ohio 71, Bethune-Cookman 64