The Iowa Hawkeyes (16-9, 8-6) return home to face a struggling Ohio State Buckeyes (11-14, 3-11) in the first of six straight rematches to close the season. The last time out featured one of Iowa’s most lackluster performances of the season with Fran McCaffery calling it “unacceptable.”
Since the loss, Iowa’s defense hasn’t been a calling card but certainly improved from OSU’s 93-point outburst. The Hawks have allowed 72.8 points while going 4-2, with the points allowed being a slight downtick from their season average of 73.4. Ohio State, on the other hand, has returned to their losing ways with six straight losses to knock themselves out of the tournament picture despite still possession OK advanced analytics.