The Ohio State basketball team came into its game against Iowa with a chance to make a statement. A win would likely stamp their ticket to the NCAA Tournament. It would have given them their second Quad 1 win of the season and a quality road win to put on their resume.
To start the game, the Buckeyes went on a 14-2 run. It looked like they came out with a fire and a purpose to come away with a victory. That ended up being the high point of the game for the Ohio State Buckeyes, as they ended up losing by 20+ points to the Hawkeyes, falling 74-57.
This game was perhaps the most pathetic showing in a season full of them. Ohio State looked completely lifeless on the offensive end of the court, even though they got both John Mobley Jr. and Devin Royal back for this game. Missing Christoph Tilly ended up being massive for them.
The Ohio State basketball team's tourney chances are over
With this loss, the Ohio State Buckeyes have almost no shot to make the NCAA Tournament. They have just one Quad 1 opportunity left on the schedule. That comes up on Sunday against Purdue. Nothing that the Buckeyes showed against Iowa leads me to believe they can win that game.
That would leave Ohio State to have to make a massive run in the Big Ten Tournament. Again, that seems unlikely. They are not a good offensive team, and that's what you need to win in March. Not even Bruce Thornton can carry this team to wins. It looks like another failed season.
Fans are starting to get vocal about firing Jake Diebler. Quite frankly, it's chatter that is deserved. Ross Bjork is unlikely to make that move, as he will likely get another year in Columbus. Next year, his seat will be absolutely scalding, especially if his team puts out more performances like this.