Ohio State Cliffs Notes game plan
Big one tonight… #Team122 #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/YJ0XcXMQOw
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) February 4, 2021
This is a tough matchup in the frontcourt for Ohio State. Iowa has arguably the most talented and physical big man in the country in Luka Garza. E.J. Liddell has been good going against anyone, but he may not have as much success in and around the paint in this one. Look for the Buckeyes to spread the floor more, pull Lidell out from the paint, and use the wings and guards to penetrate. If Iowa keeps its length on the interior, then OSU will have to look to dish off of dribble-drive action when things collapse and hope to have a hot shooting night.
On defense, with the size advantage the Hawkeyes have, and with Garza on their roster, it’s going to be a steady dose of post feeds and work around the rim. Garza is good enough that you have to double team on every touch on the paint then rally back to shooters on the perimeter if it goes back outside. From there, it’s all hands on deck when it comes to crashing the boards and limiting more touches for a long and physical Iowa ballclub.