Ohio State likely improved its NCAA Tournament chances with a Big Ten Conference Championship win in Chicago against Iowa, 72-69. The Buckeyes are still feeling the high of three straight wins, likely securing an NCAA Tournament bid. They are also still celebrating Bruce Thornton becoming the all-time leading scorer in program history.
With all of the major tournaments in full swing, the March Madness has begun. Ohio State is playing in the Big Ten Tournament, which ends Sunday, right before the NCAA Tournament Committee announces the bids. Are you into March Madness?
Ohio State And Iowa Summary
Iowa got out to an 8-4 lead over Ohio State in this game. However, they committed three fouls before the first media timeout. This pattern continued as Iowa found itself in early foul trouble. The story of the first half, however, was a close score. For much of the first half, the lead was only one or two points. The Buckeyes led at halftime 34-30.
In the second half, Ohio State used a 10-0 run to lead by as many as 16 points. Thornton had 17 points in the first ten minutes of the second half. However, Iowa hit a bunch of baskets, including 5 in a row, and made a bunch of defensive stops to get within six points. It looked like Iowa was going to get back in the game, but Ohio State pulled away again. Iowa came back again; they were not going away. There was only 2:58 left in the game.
Player Of The Game
The player of the game was the Ohio State senior center, Christoph Tilly. With star Thornton being double-teamed for much of the game, Tilly found success and an open path to the basket. He drew several fouls and scored a lot of his points from the free-throw line. Iowa had no answer for him. Iowa senior guard Bennet Stirtz gets an honorable mention. He made several circus shots.
Turning Point Of The Game
The turning point of the game was the Thornton layup with 2:28 left in the first half. After that point, the Buckeyes had the lead and the better of the play. However, it should be stressed that this game was close throughout, and every time the Buckeyes built a large lead, the Hawkeyes came back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio State beat Iowa in the third round of the Big Ten Tournament. The player of the game was Buckeye senior center Christoph Tilly. In the first half, the Hawkeyes double-teamed Thornton, and Tilly became a scoring option. He had 16 points for the Buckeyes. The turning point of this game was Bruce Thornton’s layup with 2:28 left in the first half.
Though this game was close, the Buckeyes never trailed after that layup gave them the lead. Ohio State advances to face the top seed and rival, Michigan. They attended the game, probably to scout the teams. Iowa has been eliminated from the Big Ten Tournament and awaits the NCAA Tournament Selection.
Parting Shots
The Buckeye Men’s basketball team is red hot, and riding the twin highs of now four consecutive wins and Thornton becoming the all-time leading scorer in program history. The Buckeyes just barely escaped Iowa. Now they face probably the best team in the nation, in rival Michigan, tomorrow.
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