Ohio State’s victory Sunday over Iowa wasn’t just important because it came against a top-10 team or because it helped move the Buckeyes closer to the NCAA Tournament bubble.
It was also important because, in their second attempt, the Buckeyes learned they can win a game without the services of sophomore forward Jae’Sean Tate. After losing both Tate for the rest of the season and at home to Michigan State by 19 points on Feb. 23, Ohio State was able to right itself for its second top-50 win of the season in four days’ worth of preparation.
It’s something that might help when the Buckeyes rematch the Spartans on Saturday in East Lansing.