Ohio State basketball finally stops slide with win vs. Iowa

The Ohio State basketball team came into Saturday afternoon’s matchup against Iowa having lost five straight games. They had looked ugly in all of them, especially offensively. They desperately needed a win against a hot Hawkeyes team. Well, they got one.

Ohio State went on an early 20-4 run and held a two-point lead at halftime. They were able to keep that lead throughout the game and close out Iowa 93-77. A lot of different players contributed to the success of the Buckeyes, including Isaac Likekele.

Likekele almost had himself a triple-double. He had 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. It was by far his best game as a member of the Buckeyes. He was the senior leader that Ohio State needed in this game. Without him, they wouldn’t have been able to win this one.

Brice Sensabaugh had a career game. He had 27 points on an extremely efficient 10/12 shooting. He’s been the one constant source of offense for the Buckeyes throughout these last couple of weeks, even if he still needs to work on his passing and defense.

Justice Sueing came off the bench in this one. Surprisingly, in fact. It worked out for him as he was able to break out of his shooting slump. He finished the game with 10 points. All of those points were needed too. I wonder if this is the role he will continue to have.

This was an absolute must-win for the Ohio State basketball team. Their NCAA Tournament hopes are holding on by a thread. They play Illinois and IU on the road in the next two games. Those games are also must-wins if they want to be playing in March.

Chris Holtmann was finally able to stop his slide. Unfortunately, Zed Key was helped off at the end of the game with a knee injury. Even when something good happens, something bad happens too.