The Ohio State basketball team is in another Big Ten donnybrook, this time with an offensive-minded Iowa Hawkeye squad that has crashed the offensive boards hard in the first half. So much so that Iowa has corraled 13 offensive rebounds, resulting in six more field goal opportunities than Ohio State. The Hawkeyes lead 39-38 at the half.
OSU started the game well, eventually racing out to an 11-point lead. The inability to keep Iowa off the glass combined with too many turnovers (seven in the first half) allowed things to tighten back up as things continued through the first 20 minutes.
The Hawkeyes have made 15-of-36 shots (41.7%) — so it’s not like they are torching the nets — the Hawkeyes have just had more possessions. Leading the charge for Iowa is Keegan Murray. He has 20 points through the first half on 8-of-13 shooting. The Buckeyes will need to limit his effectiveness in the second half or it might be a longer afternoon than anyone not on the Iowa sideline wants.
Quick break then back to work. pic.twitter.com/YxXlwvH1cU
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) February 19, 2022
For Ohio State, Malaki Branham has led the way with 12 points, while Kyle Young and E.J. Liddell are also in double figures with 10 points each. Liddell also has four blocks. OSU is shooting the ball fairly well (51.7%), it just needs to tighten things up with rebounding and turnovers. It would also help if Keegan Murray wasn’t so good at the game of basketball.
On to the second half. Ohio State will need a better all-around showing than what we saw in the first 20 minutes to remain undefeated at home. Time to dig deep.
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