This game is as must-win as they come for the Iowa Hawkeyes (16-9, 8-6 Big Ten).
With six games left in the Hawkeyes’ regular season, they face a heck of a slate to end the year. Easy games aren’t easy to come by in the Big Ten, and they especially aren’t in this final stretch.
Northwestern, Michigan State, Indiana, and Wisconsin are all formidable opponents. And then there is tonight’s opponent in Ohio State.
It has not been the best of seasons for the Buckeyes this year, second to last in the conference just above Minnesota. They are only 3-11 in Big Ten play. However, one of those victories was against the Iowa Hawkeyes. It was a bad one for Fran McCaffery’s squad, too, losing 93-77. That’s pretty much on par with their performance against top-ranked Purdue. Not ideal at all.
So while Ohio State (11-14, 3-11 Big Ten) should not be taken lightly, this has to be a win if Iowa still wants to make the 2023 NCAA tournament. While a win certainly won’t boost their stock, being swept by the Buckeyes will surely tank it. It is a monumental clash that will be on national TV. Here’s how to watch it!