Ohio State Basketball: Buckeyes head to Iowa for conference match-up
By Willie Lutz
Starting 11-4 with a brand new coach is something to behold, but conference opponent Iowa starts a telling time for the Holtmann era at Ohio State.
After wrapping up non-conference play last Saturday, the 11-4 Ohio State Buckeyes head to Iowa City. Due to the Big Ten’s quirky conference play schedule, it will be their third conference game, but first since December 4th, 2017.
They’ll face the 9-7 Iowa Hawkeyes, who recently dropped to 0-3 in-conference, losing 75-68 to Michigan at home. While Iowa may look to avenge their recent loss, Ohio State’s win over the common opponent Michigan and 2-0 conference record gives the Buckeyes an on-paper edge against the Hawkeyes.
First and foremost, Ohio State needs to bottle-up Iowa’s Tyler Cook, who scored 28 points in the Iowa loss to Michigan. The sophomore leads Iowa with 14.8 points and 6.4 assists per contest.
Additionally, Iowa coach Fran McCaffery keeps their players fresh and in-rotation. Iowa has 12 players who average double-digit minutes.
Ohio State needs to capitalize on a weaker conference opponent.
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Tonight’s game gives the Buckeyes a chance to start 2018 the right way, capitalizing on the solid start under Chris Holtmann. Winning games in-conference helps steer the team towards a big hurdle; returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three seasons.
One issue that could get in the way of a Buckeyes victory is the left shoulder of Jae’Sean Tate. The senior forward suffered a sprain in the shoulder in the Buckeyes’ 72-59 victory over Miami (Oh).
Despite the injury, Tate is expected to play against the Hawkeyes.
Without a healthy Tate, the Buckeyes lack an immediate answer against Iowa. In last season’s losing road trip, Tate led the Buckeyes with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
However, the narrative of the game is in the hands of Keita Bates-Diop. The Buckeyes’ leading scorer (18.7 PPG) and rebounder (8.7 RPG) continues to prove himself among the elites in the college game. If Bates-Diop plays to his capability, the Buckeyes should seal a road and conference win tonight.
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Tipping-off at 7 PM, the game will be nationally televised on ESPNU, so make sure to watch your Buckeyes take on the Hawkeyes. Hopefully, it’ll be a winning effort and their seventh win their last eight games.