Ohio State basketball vs. Iowa Hawkeyes preview, prediction, and odds

Ohio State hosts the Iowa Hawkeyes in another Big Ten top ten matchup. We’ve got your preview, prediction, and more in our game preview.

Ohio State Cliffs Notes game plan

Much like the first time around, Ohio State can’t fall in love with working things through the post in this one. With center Luka Garza down on the blocks, this has to be a game where all players get involved on multiple spots on the floor. You can’t completely forget about the post, but some of that has to come from perimeter drives with Garza out pulled out while guarding E.J. Liddell outside of the paint. OSU finished with four of its five starters in double figures in Iowa City, and that’s the same type of effort it’ll need Sunday in Columbus.

On defense, Iowa is extremely tough to guard. There’s really no option but to double down on Garza when he gets the ball, then try and closeout and help on shooters that will spread the floor on the perimeter. The team that plays the best scrambling, help defense in this one is going to win the game.

NEXT … Key Players For Both Teams