Ohio State will play the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first game of the Big Ten Tournament.

The Big Ten Tournament is one of the most anticipated events of the college basketball season, and it’s finally time for Ohio State to make its mark. In what promises to be an exciting and high-stakes match, the Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament. The game carries a lot of weight, not just because of the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, but also due to the importance of momentum heading into March Madness.

Both teams have had their ups and downs during the regular season, but they are now faced with the ultimate challenge: one win, one step closer to securing a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament and potentially making a deep run in March. Ohio State, traditionally one of the most successful programs in the Big Ten, will be aiming to rebound from a season full of inconsistency. On the other side, Iowa, with its explosive offense and talented roster, will look to prove that it can perform under pressure and carry its late-season momentum into the postseason.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the two teams, examining how each has fared during the season, what we can expect from their opening-round matchup, and the keys to victory for both Ohio State and Iowa. From strategic adjustments to individual performances, this game is set to be a thrilling contest that could ultimately have significant ramifications for both programs as they try to build momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament.

Ohio State’s Road to the Big Ten Tournament

Ohio State entered the 2024-2025 season with high expectations, but things haven’t gone entirely according to plan. The Buckeyes had moments of brilliance mixed with stretches of struggle, often finding themselves on the wrong side of close games. Still, Ohio State has an undeniable amount of talent, and their prospects in the Big Ten Tournament are far from bleak.

One of Ohio State’s biggest strengths heading into this game is the play of Brice Sensabaugh, one of the top scorers in the Big Ten. Sensabaugh has been a consistent offensive force for the Buckeyes, averaging double digits in points per game throughout the season. He’s a player capable of taking over a game and providing the spark Ohio State needs in a critical postseason matchup. In a tournament setting, where every possession matters, Sensabaugh’s ability to create his own shot and score in a variety of ways could be the key to unlocking the Buckeyes’ offense.

Additionally, Zed Key has provided steady leadership for the Buckeyes this season. The veteran forward’s physical presence on both ends of the floor has helped stabilize Ohio State’s frontcourt. He has been a key player for Ohio State, particularly in rebounding, and his ability to protect the rim will be critical when facing a team like Iowa that has no shortage of offensive firepower. Ohio State will need Key to continue playing at a high level and contribute both as a scorer and as an anchor in the middle.

Ohio State’s defensive play has been a point of focus for head coach Chris Holtmann throughout the season. While the Buckeyes have shown the ability to be tough on defense, they have struggled with consistency. Against Iowa, where offensive efficiency is paramount, Holtmann will need his defense to rise to the occasion. The Buckeyes’ ability to limit the Hawkeyes’ fast breaks and contain shooters like Payton Sandfort and Tony Perkins will be crucial for success.

In terms of depth, Ohio State will need more than just its stars. Players like Justice Sueing, who can create opportunities off the dribble and contribute in various aspects of the game, and Roddy Gayle Jr., who has shown flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball, will need to step up and make significant contributions in order to keep Iowa’s high-powered offense in check. The Buckeyes cannot afford to rely solely on Sensabaugh and Key — they’ll need a collective effort to advance to the next round.

Iowa’s Road to the Big Ten Tournament

Iowa comes into this game with momentum, having won several crucial games down the stretch to solidify their spot in the Big Ten Tournament. The Hawkeyes’ offense has been one of the most potent in the country, and their ability to score in transition and hit from beyond the arc makes them a dangerous opponent for any team in the conference.

Kris Murray has been the leader of this Iowa team all season, and he is undoubtedly the player to watch. Murray is one of the most versatile and explosive players in the Big Ten, capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. His ability to shoot over defenders, drive to the basket, and grab key rebounds has made him a matchup nightmare for opponents. In the tournament, when games tend to be tighter, Murray’s leadership and ability to take over a game will be pivotal for Iowa’s chances of advancing deep into the tournament.

Alongside Murray, Tony Perkins and Payton Sandfort have been essential contributors to Iowa’s offense. Perkins, known for his quickness and scoring ability, can break down defenses off the dribble, while Sandfort is a sharpshooter who can light it up from beyond the arc. Both players can provide scoring runs for the Hawkeyes, and Ohio State will have to keep a close eye on these two to prevent Iowa from getting into an offensive rhythm.

Despite their offensive firepower, Iowa’s defense has been a question mark throughout the season. While they’ve been able to outscore teams with their offensive output, they’ve also shown vulnerabilities, particularly in transition defense and when facing strong post players. Ohio State will need to exploit these weaknesses, particularly with Key in the post and Sensabaugh’s ability to create mismatches on the perimeter. If Ohio State can establish their inside game early and prevent Iowa from getting easy buckets in transition, they’ll have a chance to control the tempo and limit the Hawkeyes’ offensive production.

Iowa’s ability to defend without fouling will also be a key factor in this matchup. Ohio State’s offense can be highly efficient when it gets to the free-throw line, so Iowa will need to avoid giving the Buckeyes extra opportunities at the charity stripe. The Hawkeyes also need to limit their turnovers, as Ohio State is effective at converting turnovers into fast-break points, which could be a crucial advantage in a tight game.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Brice Sensabaugh vs. Iowa’s Wing Defenders: Sensabaugh has been one of Ohio State’s most consistent offensive players this season, and he will need to continue his strong play in this game. Iowa’s defense, particularly on the perimeter, will need to lock down on Sensabaugh. Whether it’s Payton Sandfort or Aaron Ubel, Iowa will need to keep Sensabaugh from getting open looks and driving to the basket. His ability to score in multiple ways makes him a key player for Ohio State.
2. Zed Key vs. Iowa’s Bigs: In a game where physicality and rebounding will play a big role, Zed Key’s matchup against Iowa’s Philip Rebraca and Owen Freeman is vital. Key has the size and strength to bully in the paint, but Iowa’s big men are capable of holding their ground as well. Ohio State will need to establish dominance in the post, especially on the boards, to limit Iowa’s second-chance opportunities.
3. Kris Murray vs. Ohio State’s Defense: Murray is Iowa’s most dynamic player and will be a focal point for Ohio State’s defense. Whether it’s through double-teams or having a dedicated defender like Justice Sueing or Roddy Gayle Jr. shadow him, Ohio State must make sure Murray doesn’t have a breakout game. Murray can single-handedly change the course of a game with his scoring, and Ohio State’s defensive schemes will need to keep him in check.
4. Iowa’s Perimeter Shooting vs. Ohio State’s Defensive Rotation: Iowa is known for its three-point shooting, and Ohio State’s defense has sometimes been vulnerable against teams that can spread the floor. Ohio State will need to be disciplined on the perimeter, ensuring that shooters like Sandfort are contested and that no one gets hot from beyond the arc. Quick rotations and close-outs will be essential for Ohio State’s defense to avoid giving Iowa easy looks from deep.

The Stakes for Both Teams

For Ohio State, this game represents an opportunity to prove that their inconsistent regular season is behind them. The Buckeyes need to find a rhythm and assert themselves in the tournament if they hope to make a legitimate push for the NCAA Tournament. A strong performance in the Big Ten Tournament could solidify their spot in March Madness and serve as a springboard for a deeper run.

For Iowa, this game is just as important. The Hawkeyes are a dangerous team with the ability to score quickly, but their lack of defensive consistency has been a weakness. This game is their chance to show that they can perform in high-pressure situations and make a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament. If Iowa can beat Ohio State, they will build confidence and further solidify their NCAA Tournament credentials.