Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament hopes were likely dashed after a tough 77-70 loss to Iowa, leaving the Buckeyes’ postseason chances in jeopardy.

The Ohio State Buckeyes entered their crucial matchup against Iowa with high hopes of keeping their NCAA Tournament dreams alive. However, after a grueling 77-70 defeat to the Hawkeyes, Ohio State’s postseason aspirations are now hanging by a thread. With Selection Sunday looming, the loss leaves the Buckeyes facing an uphill battle to make it into the 2025 NCAA Tournament, and a look at the game, its implications, and the road ahead paints a challenging picture for the team.

The Importance of the Iowa Game for Ohio State

Before the loss, Ohio State was still very much in the hunt for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, but this game was widely seen as a must-win. The Buckeyes entered the contest with a record that was solid but lacked signature wins, and they were fighting to finish strong in a competitive Big Ten conference. The Iowa game was one of those key matchups that could swing their Tournament hopes in either direction, and unfortunately for Ohio State, they came up short.

With their NCAA Tournament hopes on the line, the Buckeyes needed a win against Iowa to add another positive result to their resume. Iowa, led by its explosive offense and talented players, represented a tough test, but one that Ohio State needed to pass if they were going to make it to March Madness. Instead, the loss leaves the Buckeyes in a precarious position and forces them to reflect on what went wrong, what they could have done differently, and how they might salvage their season moving forward.

Game Recap: A Hard-Fought Battle with Missed Opportunities

The Ohio State vs. Iowa matchup was intense from the very start, with both teams trading blows and battling for control of the game. The game was fast-paced, with both squads pushing the tempo and making high-energy plays. However, the Hawkeyes’ offensive efficiency and clutch shooting proved to be too much for Ohio State in the final moments.

First Half:

The first half saw Ohio State battle neck and neck with Iowa, with both teams showing moments of offensive brilliance. Ohio State’s star players, such as guard Bryce James and forward Ethan Turner, were aggressive in attacking the basket, while Iowa’s sharp-shooting guards kept the Buckeyes on their toes.

Ohio State managed to stay within striking distance, leading by a slim margin at several points, but Iowa’s scoring burst late in the half allowed the Hawkeyes to take a four-point lead going into halftime. One of the biggest problems for Ohio State in the first half was their defense, which allowed Iowa to shoot at a high percentage from the floor, especially from beyond the arc. The Buckeyes also struggled to close out possessions, allowing second-chance opportunities that the Hawkeyes capitalized on.

Second Half:

Coming out of halftime, Ohio State knew it had to make adjustments, but the Hawkeyes’ offensive dominance continued. Iowa managed to stretch its lead to double digits early in the second half, thanks to timely shooting from their guards and an effective pick-and-roll offense that kept Ohio State’s defense on its heels.

Ohio State did make a push, particularly behind the scoring of guard Bryce James, who led the team in points for the game, and forward Ethan Turner, who showcased his rebounding ability. However, the Buckeyes struggled to stop Iowa’s fast breaks and were inconsistent in their offensive execution. Too often, Ohio State missed open shots or turned the ball over at critical moments, which allowed Iowa to maintain their advantage.

In the final minutes, Ohio State made one last run, narrowing the deficit to just a few points. However, Iowa’s clutch free-throw shooting and timely defensive stops sealed the victory for the Hawkeyes, handing the Buckeyes a 77-70 loss.

Key Takeaways from the Loss

While it’s easy to focus on the loss itself, there are several key takeaways from the game that highlight Ohio State’s struggles and weaknesses, which ultimately contributed to their defeat.

1. Defensive Struggles:

One of the biggest issues for Ohio State in this game was their inability to contain Iowa’s offense. The Hawkeyes shot an impressive percentage from the field and knocked down crucial three-pointers when needed. Ohio State’s defense, while usually a strong point for the team, looked disjointed in this contest. They were slow to rotate on defense, allowed too many open shots, and struggled to control the tempo of the game.

In particular, Ohio State’s defense in transition was a significant concern. Iowa consistently found ways to get easy baskets on the fast break, and the Buckeyes were often caught out of position, giving up layups or open shots. This was a game where Ohio State needed to slow down Iowa’s attack and force them into half-court sets, but they failed to do so effectively.

2. Missed Opportunities in the Paint:

Offensively, Ohio State had opportunities to capitalize on their size advantage inside, but they often failed to do so. Forward Ethan Turner, one of the team’s key inside players, had a solid performance but wasn’t able to dominate the paint as expected. The Buckeyes’ inability to finish at the rim, combined with inconsistent shooting from the perimeter, meant that they were unable to put together extended runs to take control of the game.

In addition to missing opportunities in the paint, Ohio State’s inability to get to the free-throw line as often as Iowa proved costly. The Buckeyes shot fewer free throws and struggled to capitalize on those opportunities when they did get to the charity stripe.

3. Turnovers and Inconsistent Scoring:

Ohio State’s turnover issues have been a problem all season, and they reared their head again in this game. The Buckeyes committed 14 turnovers in the game, which led to several fast-break opportunities for Iowa. More importantly, Ohio State’s offense became too reliant on individual performances, particularly from Bryce James, who had a strong game but wasn’t always supported by consistent scoring from other players.

When teams are in a must-win situation, such as Ohio State was in this game, they need a more balanced offensive attack. They also need to limit turnovers, especially against high-scoring teams like Iowa, who thrive on transition points.

4. Late-Game Execution:

Ohio State had an opportunity to make a late push and potentially pull off a comeback. They narrowed the lead to just a few points in the final minutes, but poor shot selection, missed opportunities, and some questionable decision-making on both ends of the floor prevented them from completing the rally.

The Buckeyes’ late-game execution, which had been a strength for them earlier in the season, was lacking. They were unable to generate clean looks or stop Iowa from getting easy baskets when it mattered most. This inability to execute down the stretch could be the nail in the coffin for Ohio State’s tournament hopes.

The Road Ahead for Ohio State

After the loss to Iowa, Ohio State’s chances of making the NCAA Tournament are slim. While the Buckeyes still have some games left on their schedule, they now find themselves in a must-win scenario for the remainder of their regular season and potentially in the Big Ten Tournament. To have any hope of making the field of 68, they will likely need to win out and secure a deep run in the conference tournament.

Unfortunately, even that may not be enough. Ohio State will need to show significant improvement in areas such as defense, offensive consistency, and late-game execution. They also need to get healthier, as injuries have taken a toll on their depth throughout the season.

While this loss to Iowa has certainly been a blow to their NCAA Tournament hopes, Ohio State still has the opportunity to play spoiler and potentially salvage some postseason aspirations. However, it will require a much stronger effort across the board, with a renewed focus on playing disciplined basketball and executing when the pressure is highest.