Offense meets defense when the No. 20 Iowa Hawkeyes (18-8, 9-6 Big 10) welcome the No. 25 Ohio State Buckeyes (17-8, 7-7 Big 10) to Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 20, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes ATS Prediction
Iowa opens as -2.5pt favorites over conference rival Ohio State at Draftkings Iowa Sportsbook, Bookmaker set the opening Total at 144.5.
The last time the Buckeyes played, they defeated the Purdue Boilermakers, 68-52. The Buckeyes had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.264) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.589 (above their season average of 0.529). With 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting, Kyle Young led Ohio State in scoring.
The Hawkeyes barely escaped the Minnesota Golden Gophers in their last game, 58-55. The Hawkeyes had a better free throw rate (0.143 vs. 0.102) and held the Golden Gophers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.415 (below their season average of 0.486). Luka Garza was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points on 11-for-21 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Buckeyes won the last matchup 90-70. The Buckeyes had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.0 vs. 12.9) and had a much better free throw rate (0.379 vs. 0.218).
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Iowa (18th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 111.4) takes on the elite defense of Ohio State (29th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 92.7).
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Free Pick
Basketball Pick:ย ATS Winner – Iowa, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Ohio State ranks 24th in assists allowed per game (10.2) while Iowa ranks 244th (14.9).
The Buckeyes average 22.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 121st in the nation. The Hawkeyes rank 235th in three pointers allowed per game (24.1).
Ohio State ranks 40th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Iowa ranks 146th (35.0).
The Hawkeyes rank 129th in steals per game (6.5) while the Buckeyes rank 225th (4.9).
Ohio State ranks 81st in blocks per game (3.6) while Iowa ranks 145th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
The Buckeyesโ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.2, down from 10.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hawkeyes have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (5.3 above their season average).