Buckeyes Drop Big Ten Tournament Opener to Iowa: A Disappointing Loss and What Went Wrong

The Ohio State Buckeyes entered the 2025 Big Ten Tournament with hopes of making a deep run, buoyed by their recent strong performances in the regular season. They had been a competitive team throughout the year and believed they could challenge some of the conference’s best teams for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. However, their tournament dreams were dealt a crushing blow when they fell to Iowa in their opening game, 79-70. This unexpected loss sent shockwaves through the team and its fans, as it marked a significant underperformance from the Buckeyes.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the game, examining what went wrong for Ohio State, how Iowa capitalized on its opportunities, and what this defeat means for the Buckeyes moving forward.

The Build-Up to the Game

The Buckeyes had shown promise throughout the season, especially after recovering from a mid-season slump. Led by head coach Chris Holtmann, the team had rallied behind standout performances from their key players, including star guard Brice Sensabaugh and forward Zed Key. Ohio State had also demonstrated resilience in close games, which gave fans hope that they could continue their momentum into the Big Ten Tournament.

On the other hand, Iowa entered the tournament with a somewhat inconsistent season. Despite some impressive wins and flashes of brilliance from their talented roster, the Hawkeyes had struggled with consistency at times. Nonetheless, they were led by one of the best offensive players in the conference, Kris Murray, who had the ability to put up huge numbers and carry his team on his back. The Hawkeyes were eager to prove themselves in the tournament and had a lot to play for as they tried to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume.

The matchup between Ohio State and Iowa was expected to be close, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Ohio State was known for its solid defense and physicality, while Iowa’s offense had been prolific, especially from beyond the arc. Fans on both sides were eager to see which team would come out on top in this high-stakes game.

First Half: A Back-and-Forth Battle

From the opening tip, the game was a back-and-forth affair. Both teams struggled to establish control early on, trading baskets in an up-tempo game. Iowa started with a fast-paced offense, moving the ball quickly and finding open looks. Kris Murray, as expected, was a focal point for the Hawkeyes, knocking down shots from the perimeter and getting to the basket. Ohio State, however, had a solid defensive strategy, with Zed Key and Justice Sueing working hard to limit Murray’s effectiveness.

Ohio State’s offense, on the other hand, was much more deliberate. They relied on strong ball movement to get the ball to their star guard, Brice Sensabaugh, who was their main scoring threat. Sensabaugh looked sharp early in the game, driving to the basket and knocking down mid-range jump shots. However, he was often double-teamed, forcing the Buckeyes to rely on their role players to step up.

The game quickly became a game of runs. Iowa found success early in the first half with a barrage of three-pointers, and the Hawkeyes jumped out to an early lead. However, Ohio State responded with a solid defensive sequence, forcing Iowa into tough shots and getting out in transition for easy baskets. This back-and-forth nature of the game set the tone for much of the first half.

As the first half progressed, the Buckeyes struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities. Their offense was sometimes bogged down by Iowa’s press and defensive intensity, and they failed to execute on several key possessions. Despite their best efforts, the Buckeyes went into halftime trailing by five points, 41-36. The deficit could have been worse if not for some timely shooting by Sensabaugh and a few key rebounds by Key.

Second Half: Iowa Takes Control

Coming out of the break, Ohio State was determined to make a comeback. They knew that a win was crucial for their NCAA Tournament hopes, but they were facing an uphill battle against a red-hot Iowa team. The Buckeyes’ defense, which had been a strength throughout the season, needed to step up and get stops to put pressure on the Hawkeyes.

Unfortunately for Ohio State, Iowa came out of the locker room firing on all cylinders. Kris Murray continued to dominate, knocking down several three-pointers and scoring in transition. The Hawkeyes’ offensive flow was near perfect, and they quickly pushed their lead to double digits. Ohio State, on the other hand, appeared to lose their rhythm offensively. Sensabaugh, who had been effective in the first half, struggled to find open shots, and the Buckeyes couldn’t seem to get into an offensive flow.

The Buckeyes’ defense, which had been a key strength for them during the season, also failed to contain Iowa’s offensive firepower. Despite switching to a zone defense at times to slow down Murray and other Iowa shooters, Ohio State was unable to stop the Hawkeyes’ outside shooting. Iowa shot an impressive 42% from beyond the arc in the second half, and their shooting barrage kept the Buckeyes at bay.

One of the biggest turning points in the game came when Ohio State had a chance to trim the lead but missed several free throws and open shots in the paint. This inability to capitalize on opportunities was a recurring theme throughout the second half. In contrast, Iowa seemed to capitalize on every open look, with Murray continuing to lead the charge. As the clock wound down, the Buckeyes found themselves in an increasingly desperate situation, unable to find an answer to Iowa’s offensive attack.

The game ended with Iowa securing a 79-70 victory, sending Ohio State home early from the Big Ten Tournament. The Buckeyes were left to reflect on what went wrong and how they let the game slip away.

Key Takeaways and Analysis

Several key factors contributed to Ohio State’s disappointing loss to Iowa, and understanding these factors is critical in analyzing what went wrong for the Buckeyes.

1. Turnovers and Inconsistent Play: Throughout the game, Ohio State struggled with turnovers, particularly in the second half. Iowa’s defense, which applied pressure both in the half-court and in transition, forced Ohio State into bad decisions. While the Buckeyes did their best to protect the ball, they often became flustered against the Hawkeyes’ pressure. The turnovers led to easy fast-break points for Iowa, allowing them to extend their lead. Ohio State’s failure to execute properly in critical moments hurt their chances to stay competitive.
2. Inability to Stop Kris Murray: Iowa’s star player, Kris Murray, was the difference-maker in the game. The Buckeyes did everything they could to slow him down, but Murray’s scoring ability was too much to contain. His shooting from the perimeter, combined with his ability to get to the basket, kept Ohio State on their heels. The Buckeyes had no clear answer for Murray, and his stellar performance allowed Iowa to take control of the game in the second half.
3. Offensive Struggles: On offense, Ohio State couldn’t find their rhythm. Brice Sensabaugh had a solid first half but struggled in the second, and the rest of the team wasn’t able to pick up the slack. Zed Key’s presence in the paint was impactful, but he wasn’t enough to carry the team offensively. Ohio State’s offense lacked flow, with too many possessions ending in forced shots or turnovers. They couldn’t get the ball to their shooters in space or execute the plays they had relied on throughout the season.
4. Free Throw Woes: Ohio State’s struggles at the free-throw line were another key factor in their loss. The Buckeyes missed several key free throws, including some down the stretch, that could have helped them stay within striking distance of Iowa. The inability to convert at the charity stripe has been a recurring issue for Ohio State this season, and it came back to haunt them in this crucial game.
5. Defensive Lapses: Finally, Ohio State’s defense, which had been a strong point for much of the season, failed to keep Iowa in check. While the Buckeyes were able to slow down some of Iowa’s offensive players, they couldn’t contain the Hawkeyes’ outside shooting. Iowa’s three-point shooting and overall offensive efficiency were too much for Ohio State’s defense to handle, and this allowed the Hawkeyes to build a commanding lead.

What’s Next for Ohio State?

This early exit from the Big Ten Tournament is a major disappointment for Ohio State, as the team had high hopes for a deep run. The loss raises several questions about the Buckeyes’ NCAA Tournament hopes and the future of their program.

For one, Ohio State will have to wait to see if they still have a chance at an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament. Their resume includes some solid wins, but this loss to Iowa may hurt their seeding. The Buckeyes will need to regroup and refocus as they wait for the selection committee to make its final decision.

In the long term, head coach Chris Holtmann will have to assess what went wrong in this game and how to improve for next season. There are certainly areas for growth, especially on the offensive end, and the Buckeyes will need to refine their game plan to avoid similar pitfalls in future tournaments.

Ohio State’s loss to Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament opener was a frustrating and unexpected result for the team. Despite a competitive first half, the Buckeyes were outplayed in the second half by a red-hot Iowa squad. With their tournament hopes on the line, Ohio State couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities and ultimately fell short. While the loss is a tough blow, the Buckeyes still have a chance to salvage their season, depending on the NCAA Tournament selection. Moving forward, they’ll need to address their weaknesses, particularly on offense, and find a way to come together as a team to compete at the highest level.