The Ohio State Buckeyes and Iowa Hawkeyes meet on Wednesday in college basketball action at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Here’s an Ohio State vs Iowa prediction. This article will include an Ohio State vs Iowa Pick.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes (16-15, 11-19-1 ATS) have been playing below standards since mid-January. They registered just four wins in 15 games since, and that fourth victory was against Nebraska on the final day of the regular season. Prior to that, Iowa was on a three-game losing skid after falling to Illinois, Northwestern, and Michigan State. The Hawkeyes ended in 14th place in the Big Ten Standings.
Iowa is averaging 82.3 PPG (18th) and is allowing 79.2 PPG (341st). The Hawkeyes are getting 32.4 RPG (366th) and dish out 18.3 APG (6th). Owen Freeman is the team’s top performer with 16.7 PPG, a team-high 6.7 RPG, and a team-high 1.8 BPG. Payton Sandfort has 16.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 2.9 APG, while Josh Dix contributes 14.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 2.8 APG.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes (17-14, 16-15 ATS) have been in better form than Iowa but didn’t impress over the last couple of weeks. The Buckeyes lost the final game of the regular season to Indiana on the road, and before that, they beat USC and Nebraska. Ohio State scored a season-high 116 points against Nebraska; the game was settled after two overtimes, though. It was the fourth time this season that Ohio State reached a 100-point mark. The Buckeyes enter the conference tournament as the No. 10 seed.
Ohio State averages 79.1 PPG (60th) and allows 73.4 PPG (228th). The Buckeyes are 309th in rebounds (33.7) and 238th in assists (13.3). Bruce Thornton leads the team with 17.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, a team-high 4.5 APG, and a team-high 1.1 SPG. Devin Royal follows him with 13.6 PPG and a team-high 6.9 RPG, while Micah Parrish chips in 13.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 1.1 SPG.
Why Iowa will beat Ohio State
- Iowa has won each of its last four games against the Big Ten Conference at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- Ohio State has lost three of its last four games against the Big Ten Conference at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- Iowa has won the first half in three of its last four games against Conference opponents at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Why Ohio State will beat Iowa
- Ohio State has won nine of its last 10 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Iowa has lost each of its last four night games against the Big Ten Conference.
- Iowa has lost the first half in each of its last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Ohio State’s last eight Conference Tournament games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse have produced a total of 154 or fewer points.
- Four of Iowa’s last five games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse have produced a total of 157+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Ohio State ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (30.1%).
- Ohio State ranks T39th among Division 1 teams for three-point percentage this season (37.1%).
- Iowa ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (30.4).
- Iowa ranks 356th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (29.5).
Ohio State vs Iowa Prediction
The rivals have traded wins in the previous ten H2H encounters as each recorded five. Ohio State won the first meeting of the season when it was 82-65, but I expect a closer tilt this time around. Both teams have excellent offenses and considering their respective defenses are not among the best, I anticipate a lot of points and an attractive game. Ohio State has hit the Team Total Over in 21 of its last 36 games, while the Buckeyes have hit the Game Total Over in 20 of their previous 36 games. Additionally, Iowa has hit the Game Total Over in 19 of its last 34 games. I am backing Over.