Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes – As Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to battle Iowa Hawkeyes in an exciting NCAA Men’s Basketball showdown, stakes couldn’t be higher for both squads. Aiming to improve their standings and secure more favorable positioning for postseason play-offs respectively, this matchup promises to be an important moment in both seasons and for fans engaging in live betting in Canada; offering thrilling in-game betting experiences while the action unfolds.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
Date & Time: Friday, February 2, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET
Location: Carver-Hawkeye Arena
TV: FS1
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Ohio State | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Iowa | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Ohio State Buckeyes Analysis
The Buckeyes have struggled mightily over their last five games, managing only a 1-4 record straight up and against the spread. A big reason for their issues has been an inability to get stops, as Ohio State has allowed over 70 points in six consecutive matchups. For the season, opponents are lighting up the Buckeyes to the tune of 69.8 points per game on 46% shooting.
Digging deeper, Ohio State’s defensive deficiencies start with an inability to control the glass and limit second chance opportunities. The Buckeyes allow 12 offensive rebounds per contest, which fuels extra possessions and easy putbacks for rivals. Ohio State is also fouling at a high rate defensively, putting opponents on the free throw line 21.3 times per outing. With a foul-happy and porous defense, Ohio State has yielded at least 74 points in four of their previous five contests.
Offensively, the Buckeyes lean heavily on standout freshman guard Bruce Thornton to create. Thornton is averaging 16.1 points and 4.4 assists while shooting efficient 41.6% from the floor and 82.5% from the stripe this season. Coming off a 22-point effort last game, Thornton has stepped up his play recently, averaging 18.2 points, 5 assists and 1.4 steals over his last five outings. His scoring prowess, distribution skills and defensive activity will be needed to snap Ohio State’s slump.
Iowa Hawkeyes Analysis
Iowa’s calling card all season long has been a quick-strike, high-powered offense led by Big Ten Player of the Year candidate Ben Krikke. The Hawkeyes sit 7th nationally by averaging a blistering 85.3 points per game this season, doing so on 48% shooting and 76.8% from the foul line. Iowa also values the basketball, coughing it up just 10.2 times per contest, the 37th lowest average in the country.
The fulcrum is versatile forward Ben Krikke, who paces the attack with 15.7 points on stellar 56% shooting overall. Krikke is a matchup nightmare for opposing bigs with his inside-out scoring ability. He does damage in the paint but also has range out to the arc, canning 35.7% of his 3-point tries. Krikke is coming off a 25-point, 7-rebound performance last time out and has been especially prolific recently. Over his last three contests, Krikke is pouring in 22.3 points nightly on red-hot 63% efficiency. With his size to bang down low and touch to space the floor, Krikke stresses every defense he faces. If Iowa feeds him early and often, Ohio State will have no answers for the gifted forward.
While Iowa’s top-tier offense inspires, their defensive efforts are far less reliable. On the season, the Hawkeyes are hemorrhaging 74.1 points per game on 45% field goal shooting. Iowa is especially vulnerable to the deep ball, allowing opponents to connect on 35% of 3-point attempts. Their deficiencies in forcing missed shots, securing defensive rebounds and avoiding careless fouls has resulted in Iowa surrendering at least 73 points in seven of their last nine outings They’ll need to button up defensively to derail Ohio State’s potent attack.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Against the Spread
Ohio State is just 1-4 against the spread (ATS) over their previous five matchups. The Buckeyes also own a woeful 2-5 ATS record in road tilts this season. Over 70% of Ohio State’s last 18 games have finished over the posted total.
Iowa is .500 ATS in their last five battles but they dominate at home ATS. The Hawkeyes are 4-3 when giving points at Carver-Hawkeye Arena this season. Similar to Ohio State, totals have flown over in 13 of Iowa’s previous 20 games as well.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Free Pick
Based on trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Iowa Hawkeyes. The Hawkeyes offense should have their way against the Ohio State defense. Ride Iowa to win on their home floor.
Spread: Iowa Hawkeyes. With Iowa’s ATS success at home, lay the points with the Hawkeyes to cover in a high-scoring affair.
Total: Over. Considering both teams’ offensive capabilities and recent trends, the total is likely to go over.
Predicted Score: Iowa Hawkeyes 82, Ohio State Buckeyes 75
This game presents a fascinating matchup with Iowa’s offensive firepower pitted against Ohio State’s need to bounce back from recent setbacks. The most reliable pick appears to be Iowa on the moneyline, considering their scoring ability and home-court advantage. For bettors looking for NCAAB daily picks, focusing on Iowa’s offensive trends and Ohio State’s struggle to cover the spread could offer valuable insights for this game.
