The University of Iowa Hawkeyes dominated the Ohio State University Buckeyes, 74-57, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, establishing control from the outset. By halftime, Iowa had built a 14-point lead, 37-23, indicating a significant gap between the two teams. This margin would ultimately prove insurmountable for Ohio State, as Iowa maintained its advantage throughout the second half.
The final score reflected a 17-point difference, with Iowa's consistent performance across both halves - scoring 37 points in each - underscoring its superiority. Iowa, ranked 28th in the NET rankings, outpaced Ohio State, ranked 37th, in a game that highlighted the disparity between the two teams. The Buckeyes were unable to bridge the gap, and Iowa's lead persisted, resulting in a decisive victory.
A 22-point performance from Bennett Stirtz, coupled with his 3 assists, helped Iowa establish an early rhythm. His 8-11 shooting from the field, including 3-6 from beyond the arc, allowed the team to maintain a consistent scoring threat. With the game unfolding in Iowa's favor, Alvaro Folgueiras's 20 points and 5 assists proved instrumental in sustaining the team's momentum.
The freshman standout Alvaro Folgueiras's all-around effort, which included 4 rebounds, complemented the scoring of Bennett Stirtz. Erupting for 12 points, Cam Manyawu's 7 rebounds provided a crucial boost to Iowa's interior presence. His 5-7 shooting from the field, including a perfect 2-2 from the free-throw line, underscored the team's balanced attack, with Folgueiras and Stirtz also contributing to the decisive victory.
Finishing with 16 points on 5-9 shooting from Devin Royal wasn't enough to keep Ohio State in it, as his scoring efforts were largely offset by the team's overall struggles. Despite his respectable field goal percentage, Royal's lack of involvement in other areas, with only 2 rebounds and no assists, limited his overall impact on the game. His 6-8 mark from the free throw line was a notable aspect of his performance, but it ultimately proved insufficient to sway the outcome.
The team's secondary scoring options, led by John Mobley Jr. and Bruce Thornton, were also unable to overcome Iowa's defensive efforts. With 15 points on 4-7 shooting, including 3-4 from beyond the arc, Mobley Jr. was one of the few bright spots for Ohio State, but his 1 rebound and 3 assists were not enough to make a significant difference. Meanwhile, Thornton's 10 points on 3-8 shooting were a testament to his ability to find scoring opportunities, but his 0-2 mark from three-point range and limited rebounding contributions hindered his overall effectiveness.
Beyond the standout efforts from the top performers, the remainder of the players on both teams generally conformed to their established season trends.
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Final
The pre-game prediction of Iowa winning by nearly six points proved to be correct, albeit the actual margin of victory was significantly larger than anticipated. The Hawkeyes' 17-point win over Ohio State was a more decisive outcome than expected, suggesting that Iowa's performance was stronger than forecasted. This disparity between the predicted and actual margins raises questions about the factors that contributed to the wider gap.
A closer examination of the team statistics reveals that Iowa's exceptional shooting efficiency was a key factor in their dominant performance. The Hawkeyes' effective field goal percentage of 62.8% was notably higher than their season average, indicating a high level of accuracy and shot selection. In contrast, Ohio State's shooting efficiency was below their season average, which hindered their ability to keep pace with Iowa's offense. Additionally, while both teams struggled with rebounding, Iowa's slight edge in this area, combined with their superior shooting, ultimately proved to be too much for the Buckeyes to overcome.
The outcome of this contest has significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations, as Iowa's victory solidifies its position as a projected NCAA Tournament team, with its undefeated record in Quad 2 games bolstering its case for a favorable seed. Conversely, Ohio State's loss, its tenth in Quad 1 games, further complicates its at-large prospects, as its inability to secure high-quality wins continues to weigh heavily on its resume. With Iowa's NET ranking and Quad 1 performance, it may be positioned for a single-digit seed, while Ohio State's lack of marquee victories leaves it precariously close to the bubble, its Quad 2 successes insufficient to offset its elite-level struggles. Ultimately, Ohio State's failure to capitalize on opportunities like this one may prove to be the difference between a stress-free Selection Sunday and a nerve-wracking wait.