Iowa vs. Ohio State Pick
Will No. 14 Ohio State cruise to a big win today, or have a letdown, when it takes on Iowa at 6PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, Ohio State is favored at home in this game, as the Buckeyes are getting odds of -14.5 points against Iowa. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 152 points. Today’s game takes place from Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio and will air live on the Big Ten Network.
Ohio State is coming off its biggest win of the year, snapping Purdue’s 19-game win streak with a 64-63 road victory this week. The Buckeyes have won three straight since a home loss to Penn State. Ohio State is 21-5 overall, 12-1 in the Big Ten and 13-11 against the spread. The Buckeyes are averaging 76.9 points per game this season while allowing just 66.1 per contest. Keita Bates-Diop is averaging 20.2 points and 9 rebounds per game to lead OSU while Jae’Sean Tate is adding 12.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per contest.
Iowa is coming off a 96-93 loss at home to Michigan State for its third loss in four games. The Hawkeyes are now 12-14 overall, 3-10 in the Big Ten and 9-11-2 against the spread. Iowa scores well, averaging 80.7 per game. However, its defense is giving up 78.3 per contest. On the road, Iowa scores just 72.5 per game while giving up 86 per contest. Tyler Cook is leading Iowa with 15.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while Jordan Bohannon is adding 13.7 points and 5.3 assists per contest.
Ohio State has won six of the last 10 meetings in this series, including a 92-81 win at Iowa back on Jan. 4. The Buckeyes could see an emotional letdown after the big win over Purdue, but I think the Buckeyes handle themselves tonight. Iowa has a terrible defense that should allow the Buckeyes to put up a big total. Ohio State’s defense will be able to do enough to add to Iowa’s scoring struggles on the road as well. The public betting is backing Iowa for this game, but I will take Ohio State to cover.
CBB DAILY PREDICTION: OHIO STATE -14.5