Ohio State’s Tournament Dreams Shattered as Buckeyes Fall to Iowa, 77-70

"Ohio State's Tournament Hopes End with 77-70 Loss to Iowa"

Ohio State's basketball team suffered a disappointing loss to Iowa, jeopardizing their NCAA Tournament chances after a late-game scoring drought.

Jake Thompson5 hours agoLast Update : 5 hours ago

www.elevenwarriors.com

Ohio State’s hopes for the NCAA Tournament came crashing down on March 13, 2025, as they lost to Iowa 77-70 in the Big Ten Tournament. After a promising start to the season, the Buckeyes faced a late-game collapse that left fans wondering about their future. Can they recover from this setback?

6 Key Takeaways

Ohio State's late-game performance falters again.
Iowa's offense outperforms Ohio State's in tournament.
Bruce Thornton scores 24 points for Buckeyes.
Ohio State's NCAA Tournament hopes dim significantly.
First half featured 11 lead changes, 9 ties.
Potential College Basketball Crown participation looms.

Fast Answer: Ohio State’s loss to Iowa ends their Big Ten Tournament run and puts their NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy. The Buckeyes needed a win but faltered in critical moments, leaving them with a tough road ahead.

Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament Hopes Dwindle After Big Ten Loss

What went wrong for Ohio State in this crucial game? The Buckeyes needed a win against Iowa to solidify their chance at the NCAA Tournament. Instead, they fell apart in the final minutes, leading to a disappointing defeat. With their season on the line, Ohio State struggled to maintain momentum, raising questions about their performance under pressure.

Danger! Ohio State’s loss may cost them a spot in the NCAA Tournament. This could mark the first time in 20 years that the Buckeyes miss the tournament three years in a row, a significant blow for the program.

Late-Game Struggles Haunt Ohio State Against Iowa

The Buckeyes had a chance to seize victory but fell victim to their late-game woes once again. Despite leading at various points, they went nearly four minutes without scoring in the final stretch. Iowa capitalized on this lapse, executing a crucial 7-0 run that sealed Ohio State’s fate.

Ohio State’s offense struggled in the second half.
Bruce Thornton led the team with 24 points.
Iowa’s Payton Sandfort scored 17 points, helping secure the win.
The Buckeyes had 22 turnovers, impacting their performance.

Game Highlights: Key Moments from the Match

Ohio State’s first half was marked by a series of lead changes and missed opportunities. Both teams struggled early, but the Buckeyes managed to take a brief lead. However, Iowa’s resilience shone through as they pulled ahead with a late surge. In the second half, Ohio State fought back but ultimately fell short.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ohio State?

With the NCAA Tournament Selection Show approaching, Ohio State’s fate hangs in the balance. If they miss the tournament, they may end their season in the inaugural College Basketball Crown in Las Vegas. Fans are left wondering: can the Buckeyes regroup and come back stronger next season?