Ohio State basketball rebounded in a major way, snapping its three-game home losing streak with a decisive 82-65 victory over Iowa.
The win was a much-needed boost for the Buckeyes, who had struggled at home in recent weeks, losing tough matchups to conference rivals. But on this night, Ohio State found its rhythm, showcasing an explosive offensive performance and a solid defensive effort to overcome the Hawkeyes.
From the opening tip, the Buckeyes were aggressive, setting the tone with high-energy play on both ends of the court. Iowa, known for its potent offense, was unable to keep pace as Ohio State’s defense stifled the Hawkeyes’ shooters and forced several turnovers. The Buckeyes applied constant pressure, not allowing Iowa to settle into a comfortable offensive flow.
Offensively, Ohio State was led by a balanced scoring attack. The team had multiple players contribute double-digit points, with star guard Brice Sensabaugh leading the way with 20 points. Sensabaugh’s shooting was on fire throughout the game, connecting on a variety of mid-range jumpers, three-pointers, and even finishing through contact at the rim. His ability to create shots for himself and his teammates gave the Buckeyes the spark they needed to build a commanding lead.
Ohio State’s inside game also played a crucial role in the victory. Forward Zed Key was dominant in the paint, scoring 16 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. Key’s presence inside helped the Buckeyes control the boards, limiting Iowa’s second-chance opportunities while also allowing Ohio State to generate easy points in the paint. His strong play inside opened up shooting opportunities for Ohio State’s guards, who capitalized on their chances from beyond the arc.
Iowa fought hard throughout the game but could never quite recover from a sluggish start. The Hawkeyes struggled to match Ohio State’s intensity, especially on the defensive end. While Iowa’s star player, Kris Murray, posted 18 points, his efforts weren’t enough to carry the team past the Buckeyes. The Hawkeyes’ three-point shooting was also off, with the team shooting under 30% from long range, an area that had been a strength for them earlier in the season.
Despite some turnovers and lapses in defensive rotations, Ohio State never allowed Iowa to get back into the game. After taking a commanding lead in the first half, the Buckeyes stretched it further in the second, keeping their foot on the gas and never letting up. The bench also played a key role, providing depth and energy as head coach Chris Holtmann rotated players in and out, keeping the defense fresh and offensive flow consistent.
The win was a sigh of relief for Holtmann and the Ohio State faithful, who had been growing frustrated after the team’s recent struggles at home. The Buckeyes had dropped games to teams they were expected to beat, and the pressure was mounting. But with this victory, Ohio State not only snapped its home losing streak but also showed that it had the potential to compete at a high level in the Big Ten.
Looking ahead, Ohio State will need to build on this performance as it enters the heart of its conference schedule. With key matchups against top-ranked teams on the horizon, the Buckeyes will need to continue playing with the same intensity and balance that led to their strong showing against Iowa. For now, though, the team can celebrate this much-needed win and the momentum it provides moving forward.
