CHICAGO – The Iowa Hawkeyes’ hopes for an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament were dashed Thursday afternoon with a 72-69 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the third round of the Big Ten Tournament. Despite a second-half rally, Iowa couldn’t overcome a strong performance from Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton and a late missed opportunity at the buzzer.
The defeat ends Iowa’s tournament run and leaves their NCAA Tournament fate in the hands of the selection committee. Even as the Hawkeyes’ overall record of 21-12 (10-10 in Big Ten play) should still position them favorably for an at-large bid, the loss eliminates their chance to secure a conference championship and the automatic qualification that comes with it. The team will now await Selection Sunday to learn their seeding and opponent.
Iowa’s comeback attempt fell just short when Isaia Howard’s three-point attempt as time expired missed its mark, according to reports from Iowa Hawkeyes Athletics. The Hawkeyes had cut the Ohio State lead to one point in the final moments, setting the stage for a dramatic finish at the United Center in Chicago.
Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton led all scorers with 24 points, shooting an impressive 10-of-14 from the field. His performance proved pivotal in securing the victory for the Buckeyes. Iowa was led by Bennett Stirtz, who scored 17 points despite briefly leaving the game due to injury, as reported by Black Heart Gold Pants.
Buckeyes Control the First Half, Hawkeyes Mount a Comeback
The Buckeyes established an early lead, capitalizing on Iowa’s early turnovers and the strong play of Christoph Tilly, who scored 12 first-half points. Ohio State extended their advantage to as many as 16 points in the second half, fueled by 10 consecutive points from Thornton. However, Iowa refused to concede, mounting a determined comeback effort.
Tate Sage and Cam Manyawu sparked the Hawkeyes’ resurgence with key baskets, and a series of traded three-pointers narrowed the gap. Despite the improved offensive output, Iowa struggled to fully close the deficit, ultimately falling just short of completing the rally.
Iowa’s bench contributed 23 points, but Ohio State held a significant advantage in the paint, outscoring the Hawkeyes 22-8 in the first half. The Buckeyes’ ability to control the interior and capitalize on Iowa’s early struggles proved to be a key factor in their victory.
Stirtz’s Performance and Tournament Implications
While Stirtz led Iowa in scoring, his performance wasn’t enough to overcome Ohio State’s balanced attack. The Hawkeyes’ offense struggled to discover consistent rhythm, and the team’s inability to capitalize on key opportunities ultimately proved costly. According to 247Sports, Stirtz, projected as a first-round NBA draft pick, had stretches where he failed to score for several minutes at a time.
The loss means Iowa will now await its fate from the NCAA Tournament selection committee. Bracketology projections currently estimate the Hawkeyes as a No. 8 or No. 9 seed, but the final seeding will depend on the committee’s evaluation of their overall body of work and the results of other conference tournaments.
Ohio State missed the front complete of a one-and-one free throw opportunity late in the game, and intentionally fouled to send Iowa to the line with three seconds remaining, as detailed by Hawkeyesports.com. However, Iowa’s Alvaro Folgueiras missed the first free throw, and Howard’s subsequent three-point attempt was off the mark.
What’s Next for the Hawkeyes
Iowa will now focus on preparing for the NCAA Tournament, awaiting the announcement of their seed and opponent on Selection Sunday. Despite the disappointing end to their Big Ten Tournament run, the Hawkeyes remain optimistic about their chances of making a deep run in March Madness. The team’s performance throughout the season, coupled with Stirtz’s potential, suggests they could be a dangerous opponent for any team in the field.
The Hawkeyes will need to address their offensive consistency and improve their rebounding in preparation for the tournament. A strong showing in the NCAA Tournament could solidify Iowa’s position as a rising program in college basketball.
What are your thoughts on Iowa’s tournament chances? Share your predictions in the comments below!
