Ohio State Loses Big Game to Iowa in Clear Defeat

Ohio State entered the matchup hoping for a strong showing that could keep their NCAA hopes alive. Instead, they were outplayed by Iowa in a game that ended 74‑57.

• Iowa’s defense dominated: limited Ohio State to just 41.9 % from the floor and shut down star guard Bruce Thornton, who scored only ten points.
• Key Hawkeyes scorers: Bennett Stirtz and Alvaro Fulgeiras combined for 42 points.
• Ohio State’s best efforts: John Mobley Jr. (15) and Devin Royal (16).

After a recent loss to Michigan State, this marks the first time Ohio State has lost consecutive games in a season.

Game Flow

• First quarter: Buckeyes built an early 14‑2 lead thanks to multiple three‑point shots.
• Iowa’s comeback: answered with a 21‑1 run, largely due to missed opportunities and turnovers from Ohio State.
• Halftime: Iowa led 37‑23; Ohio State was shooting poorly.
• Second half: Stirtz sparked a 40‑30 advantage after an 11‑2 run.
• Iowa continued to pull away: eventually leading by over 20 points and never looking back.
• Final quarter: Ohio State’s best moment was a 15‑point stretch, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

The game’s outcome leaves Ohio State with a single remaining chance to secure an NCAA berth, facing Purdue next. The Buckeyes will need to regroup quickly if they hope to make a run in the conference tournament and earn another shot at postseason play.