Iowa basketball defeated Ohio State 77-70 in a thrilling matchup that marked the Hawkeyes’ first win in the Big Ten Tournament since 2022. The victory sets up a rematch with Illinois on Thursday, following a dominant performance by Iowa’s offense and defense.
The game saw a slow start from both teams, but Iowa eventually broke through to score its first points, marking a turning point that led to a strong second half. Brock Harding hit the dagger three-pointer with less than 20 seconds remaining to seal the win.
Iowa’s bench unit played a crucial role in the victory, outscoring Ohio State by 27 points and contributing significantly to the team’s overall performance. The Hawkeyes’ defense also held up well against one of the Big Ten’s highest-scoring offenses, limiting the Buckeyes to just 42% shooting from the field.
The win marks a significant milestone for Iowa basketball, which has struggled in recent years. However, the team is now showing signs of resilience and determination, particularly with the development of its bench unit. “We’ve had ups and downs this season,” said Brock Harding, “but to be able to battle and make it out of the first round is a testament to our team’s fight.”
Source: https://eu.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/iowa/basketball-men/2025/03/12/iowa-basketball-ohio-state-score-fran-mccaffery-payton-sandfort-hawkeyes-big-ten-tournament-bracket/82264655007