Ohio State basketball vs Iowa: Prediction, Preview, and Best Bets

The usual January slides are continuing for the Ohio State basketball team as they have now lost five games in a row, and they sit at the bottom of the Big Ten standings. After two really bad losses to Minnesota and Nebraska, the Buckeyes’ NCAA Tournament hopes are hanging by a thread. They have some games coming up that could increase their chances of making the tournament if they can win them.

Ohio State is now focused on their next game with the Iowa Hawkeyes which is to prevent a sixth straight loss. The Buckeyes return to their home floor for this match-up with the Hawkeyes which could help them turn things around. This will be Ohio State’s first of two games with the Hawkeyes, as the Buckeyes will travel to Iowa City later this season.

Iowa has been trending in the opposite direction as Ohio State as of late. They’ve won their last four games against Indiana, Rutgers, Michigan, and Maryland. The Hawkeyes haven’t played since Sunday, since their game against Northwestern was postponed due to COVID reasons. So, they’ll be well-rested for this game against the Buckeyes.

Ohio State basketball vs Iowa odds, spread, and total

Ohio State is somehow a 3.5-point favorite for this game. I’m not sure why oddsmakers would put them as favorites, but we’ll see if they are right. The total for the game is 153.5, which is so high because of how good Iowa’s offense is.

Official prediction: Ohio State basketball 79 Iowa 75

The fact that Ohio State has lost their last six games, and is favored in this game makes zero sense. I’m going to trust Vegas and lay the points in favor of the Buckeyes who are in desperate need of a win. However, I do think it will be a close game today in the Schott.

Iowa has a very tough squad along with one of the best players in the Big Ten in Kris Murray. He will be a very difficult match-up today for the Buckeyes because of his length inside, and his ability to stretch the floor. I think we will see a mix of Justice Sueing and Isaac Likekele guarding Iowa’s skilled forward.

The Buckeyes are going to need to have a solid defensive effort in order to win the game today. Iowa has a pretty electric offense as they rank fifth in offensive efficiency according to KenPom, and they average 82 points a game. If Ohio State applies excellent defensive pressure on the perimeter, prevents second-chance opportunities, and force the Hawkeyes to turn it over, this will become a very winnable game.

My Best Bets

Today’s game between the Buckeyes and the Hawkeyes is a match-up of two of the better offenses in the Big Ten. With that being said, take the over of 153.5. They may be two of the best offenses in the Big Ten, but they’re also two of the worst defenses in the conference. Be prepared for a lot of scoring today.

If you’re looking for a Player Prop bet to place, go with Brice Sensabaugh over 18.5 points. I’ve had some recent success with him by taking his over on points in past games. With the poor Iowa defense, I see the stud freshman having another scoring outburst today against the Hawkeyes.

The Buckeyes are trying to avoid their first six-game losing streak under Chris Holtmann today against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Ohio State has to win today if they want any chance at making the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes being back at home I think will help them break this losing skid.

A win today over Iowa could be the turning point of the season. A loss today, however, will make this a waste of a season. Tip-off for the game today is set for 2:00 PM and you can find it on FOX.