The 20th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes (18-8, 9-6 Big 10) and their sensational offense welcome the 25th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (17-8, 7-7 Big 10) and their tremendous defense. 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 Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Hawkeyes edged the Minnesota Golden Gophers 58-55, while the Buckeyes beat the Purdue Boilermakers 68-52.
Ohio State played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.264) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.589 (above their season average of 0.529). For those same stats, Purdue was 0.185 and 0.389, respectively. The Hawkeyes, meanwhile, 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 played well for Iowa, finishing with 24 points and eight rebounds. Kyle Young, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Ohio State with 16 points and seven rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the last matchup, the Buckeyes won 90-70. Ohio State’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Buckeyes had nine offensive rebounds and 36 total rebounds, while the Hawkeyes had four and 26, respectively. This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Iowa currently ranks 18th in offensive efficiency and Ohio State is 29th in defensive efficiency.
Ohio State at Iowa Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Iowa, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Ohio State ranks 24th in assists allowed per game (10.2) while Iowa ranks 244th (14.9).
- The Hawkeyes rank 129th in steals per game (6.5) while the Buckeyes rank 225th (4.9).
- Ohio State averages 3.6 blocks per game, which ranks 81st in the NCAA. Iowa ranks 145th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- The Buckeyes rank 121st in three pointers attempted per game (22.7) while 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).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 65.2 points per game (6.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.0 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
- The Hawkeyes have been outscored by an average of 2.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Iowa has defeated opponents by an average of 6.5 points.
