Five things to remember: After Iowa’s defeat dampens hopes for the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State laments its connectivity.

As the 2025 college basketball season draws to a close, the Ohio State Buckeyes are faced with a harsh reality: their hopes of securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament have been all but extinguished after a crushing defeat at the hands of Iowa. For a team that started the season with high expectations and aspirations of making a deep run in March Madness, this loss has been a bitter pill to swallow. As Ohio State’s chances of a tournament berth fade, one central theme continues to emerge in the aftermath: connectivity—or, more precisely, the lack thereof.

This article will examine the five key takeaways from Ohio State’s disappointing loss to Iowa, a game that not only dashed their tournament hopes but also shed light on deeper issues that have plagued the team throughout the season. From chemistry problems to missed opportunities, these five factors will help provide clarity on why Ohio State’s season unraveled and what needs to change moving forward.

1. The Loss to Iowa: A Crushing Blow to NCAA Hopes

The defeat to Iowa was a bitterly disappointing moment for Ohio State, as it came at a time when the team needed a win more than ever. With the NCAA Tournament looming large and a tightly contested Big Ten Conference schedule, the Buckeyes needed to secure every possible victory to stay in contention for an at-large bid. Iowa, while a solid team, was considered a winnable game for Ohio State, and the loss underscored the inconsistency that had plagued the Buckeyes all season.

The game against Iowa was a microcosm of Ohio State’s struggles: the team showed flashes of brilliance but could not sustain that excellence for the entire 40 minutes. In the first half, the Buckeyes found success in stretches, playing solid defense and executing on offense. However, as the game wore on, the wheels began to come off. Key turnovers, poor shot selection, and defensive lapses allowed Iowa to regain momentum and eventually secure a hard-fought victory. The defeat put Ohio State’s tournament hopes in serious jeopardy, and it left many fans and analysts questioning whether the team could recover in time to make a run.

The emotional weight of the loss was felt throughout the program, as players and coaches reflected on what went wrong. Despite the efforts of standout players like Brice Sensabaugh and Justice Sueing, who had been carrying much of the load offensively, the team’s inability to consistently perform in key moments was evident. With the tournament field looming, Ohio State’s tournament hopes were dashed, leaving the team to focus on regrouping for the remainder of the season and working toward building for the future.

2. The Lack of Team Chemistry and Connectivity

One of the most pressing issues that emerged from the loss to Iowa was Ohio State’s lack of chemistry and connectivity on the court. For much of the season, the Buckeyes have struggled to develop a cohesive team identity. While individual players like Sensabaugh, Sueing, and Zed Key have had strong performances at times, the team as a whole has never quite clicked. This lack of connectivity has been particularly evident in close games, where communication breakdowns, poor execution in the final minutes, and a lack of rhythm have led to costly mistakes.

Ohio State’s struggles with team chemistry have been apparent in several key areas:

• Offensive Flow: The Buckeyes have often looked disjointed on offense, with players taking turns attempting to create plays rather than working as a unit. There has been little continuity in their offensive sets, with the ball often sticking in the hands of one player while others stand idly by. This has led to inefficient possessions and an inability to find high-quality shots, especially in crunch time.
• Defensive Communication: On defense, Ohio State has had issues with communication and rotations. Opposing teams have frequently exploited mismatches or found open shooters due to breakdowns in defensive coverage. While the Buckeyes have the talent to be a strong defensive team, their lack of connectivity has prevented them from executing as a cohesive unit.
• Leadership and Roles: Another aspect of connectivity is the lack of defined leadership and roles on the team. While there are experienced players like Sueing and Key, there has not been a consistent vocal leader to take charge during critical moments. The uncertainty in roles and leadership has made it difficult for Ohio State to find its rhythm and step up when the game is on the line.

After the loss to Iowa, Coach Chris Holtmann acknowledged that his team’s inability to gel as a unit had been a significant problem throughout the season. The disconnect was something that could no longer be ignored, and Holtmann stressed the importance of building trust and accountability among his players. As the season continued to unfold, the Buckeyes would need to find ways to bridge these gaps if they hoped to salvage the remainder of the year and improve for the future.

3. Inconsistent Play and Missed Opportunities

The loss to Iowa was a symptom of a larger problem for Ohio State: inconsistent play. Throughout the season, the Buckeyes have been unable to string together consistent performances, often alternating between dominant victories and disappointing defeats. This inconsistency has been especially noticeable in their Big Ten matchups, where the margin for error is slim, and every game matters.

In the Iowa game, the Buckeyes had several opportunities to seize control, especially in the first half when they looked poised to take an early lead. However, missed layups, ill-advised three-pointers, and mental lapses in the final minutes allowed Iowa to capitalize and take the game away from Ohio State. These types of missed opportunities have plagued the Buckeyes throughout the season, and they have been a key reason for their failure to perform at a high level.

A few notable moments from the Iowa game highlight Ohio State’s inconsistency:

• Turnovers: The Buckeyes turned the ball over at critical moments, which disrupted their offensive flow and allowed Iowa to capitalize with fast breaks and easy buckets.
• Poor Shot Selection: On offense, Ohio State often settled for contested jump shots or quick three-pointers rather than working for high-percentage looks. This led to missed opportunities and allowed Iowa to push the pace.
• Defensive Lapses: Despite having the talent to guard Iowa’s perimeter players, Ohio State was unable to close out on shooters effectively, allowing Iowa to hit timely three-pointers that extended their lead.

These moments were emblematic of the Buckeyes’ broader struggles throughout the season. With a lack of consistent play, Ohio State was unable to gain the momentum needed to make a late-season push for the NCAA Tournament. The loss to Iowa cemented the reality that missed opportunities and inconsistent execution would ultimately hinder their chances.

4. The Impact of Injuries and Roster Instability

Another factor that has contributed to Ohio State’s disappointing season and the loss to Iowa is the impact of injuries and roster instability. Throughout the year, the Buckeyes have been forced to deal with injuries to key players, which has further disrupted their ability to build chemistry and cohesion.

Injuries have taken a toll on Ohio State’s depth, particularly in the backcourt. The absence of key contributors due to injury has meant that other players have had to step into larger roles, which has sometimes led to uneven performances. While Tanner Holden and Roddy Gayle Jr. have shown promise in their expanded roles, they have struggled to find consistency, particularly in high-pressure situations.

The lack of continuity in the lineup has made it difficult for Coach Holtmann to establish a consistent rotation or develop any sense of rhythm for his team. The constant changes to the lineup and the absence of a full-strength squad have undermined the Buckeyes’ ability to gel and develop chemistry over the course of the season.

As Ohio State limps to the finish line of the season, Holtmann and his staff will need to evaluate how to manage the roster going forward, ensuring that the team’s best players are healthy and ready to contribute. Moving into the next season, Ohio State will need to focus on building depth and stability to avoid the issues that plagued them in 2025.

5. The Future of Ohio State Basketball

As the 2025 season draws to a close, Ohio State basketball finds itself at a crossroads. While the team’s NCAA Tournament hopes may have been dashed, there is still a sense of optimism for the future. Despite the disappointment of missing out on March Madness, the Buckeyes have several key pieces in place that could help them bounce back stronger in the years to come.

One of the bright spots for Ohio State has been the development of Brice Sensabaugh, who has emerged as one of the team’s most talented players. His ability to score, rebound, and defend makes him a potential cornerstone for the program moving forward. With a solid recruiting class on the horizon, Ohio State has the chance to reload and compete at a high level once again.

However, there are significant questions to address, particularly regarding team chemistry and leadership. Coach Holtmann will need to ensure that his team is able to build a stronger sense of connectivity and cohesion going into next season. The Buckeyes must also continue to recruit and develop players who can contribute immediately, while focusing on improving their overall defensive and offensive schemes.

In conclusion, Ohio State’s loss to Iowa represents a missed opportunity and a harsh reminder of the issues that have held the team back this season. The lack of chemistry, inconsistent play, and injuries have all contributed to a campaign that falls short of expectations. However, the Buckeyes can take this experience and use it as motivation to rebuild and grow stronger in the future. The lessons learned from this season will be crucial as Ohio State works to return to national prominence and secure a place in the NCAA Tournament in the years ahead.