Ohio State Buckeyes vs Iowa Hawkeyes Picks and Predictions January 27th 2025

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Ohio State Cherishes Break in Action, Returns to Face Iowa

Ohio State is using its extended break to recover, regroup, and prepare as they host Iowa in a pivotal Big Ten matchup on Monday night. The Buckeyes are coming off a thrilling 73-70 road win over No. 11 Purdue, a confidence booster after a challenging stretch of close games.

A Much-Needed Break for Ohio State

For Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler, the five-day break between games couldn’t have come at a better time. After enduring five consecutive one-possession games, the Buckeyes welcome the opportunity to rest and refine their game.

“We need this time to recover and work on some things and keep growing,” Diebler said. “This is a great opportunity for us to grow in preparation for a good team coming in.”

The Buckeyes (11-8, 3-5 Big Ten) snapped a three-game losing streak with their comeback win against Purdue. Graduate forward Micah Parrish was instrumental, scoring 17 of his game-high 22 points in the second half to erase a 16-point deficit. Parrish, in his first season with Ohio State after transferring from San Diego State, has been a vital contributor, averaging 11.2 points per game.

“Micah has adjusted to our system and continues to show there’s more to his game,” Diebler said. “He’s thriving in his new role, and that’s huge for us.”

Iowa Looks to Build on Momentum

Iowa (13-7, 4-5 Big Ten) heads into Monday’s game with renewed confidence after a narrow 76-75 victory over Penn State on Friday, which snapped their own three-game skid. Senior Payton Sandfort has been a standout, averaging 16.2 points per game and providing consistent scoring for the Hawkeyes.

“When you’re going through a tough stretch, it can feel impossible to get a win,” Sandfort said. “Once you get one, things start to feel better. We’ve got all the confidence in the world that we can compete with Big Ten teams.”

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Graduate student Drew Thelwell hit a milestone during the Penn State game, surpassing 1,000 career points with a clutch three-pointer. He finished the game with 16 points, earning praise from head coach Fran McCaffery.

“I’m thrilled for him,” McCaffery said. “It’s an incredible accomplishment and speaks volumes about his dedication.”

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Key Matchups to Watch

  • Micah Parrish vs. Iowa’s Defense: Parrish’s ability to create offense and provide energy will be critical for Ohio State.
  • Payton Sandfort’s Impact: Iowa’s senior leader needs to maintain his scoring rhythm to give the Hawkeyes an edge.
  • Battle of the Benches: With both teams coming off hard-fought wins, depth and bench production could play a deciding role.

What’s at Stake

Both teams are looking to gain traction in the tightly contested Big Ten standings. Ohio State hopes to build on its momentum from the Purdue victory and use its fresh legs to outlast Iowa. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes face a quick turnaround and need to replicate their strong finish against Penn State to stay competitive.

The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 81-81, and Monday’s clash promises to be another tightly contested battle.

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