Ohio State Buckeyes (13-8) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (12-9)
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes 2/2/24 – The 13-8 Ohio State Buckeyes will face off against the 12-9 Iowa Hawkeyes in a Big Ten matchup on Friday, February 2nd, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Our expert handicapping tips indicate this should be a competitive game between two teams looking to improve their standing in the conference.
Ohio State Buckeyes have displayed both resilience and struggle this season, averaging 75.2 points per game with a 44.5 field goal percentage on their way to an overall average of 75.2 points per game with 38.6 rebounds per game and 4.8 blocks, showing strong defensive setup that could pose problems against Iowa Hawkeyes.
Iowa Hawkeyes bring an explosive offense into this contest, scoring 85.3 points per game on 48% shooting from the field and boasting an ATS record that slightly outpaces Ohio State. They excel both at creating opportunities and disrupting opponents’ play by excelling in assists and steals, which demonstrate their talent at creating opportunities and disrupting play.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes 2/2/24 Game Info
| When: | Friday, February 2, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Carver-Hawkeye Arena |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Bruce Thornton (Guard) vs. Ben Krikke (Forward)
Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton has been excellent this season, averaging 16.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. He has scored in double figures in 18 contests and has the ability to take over a game with his quickness and shooting ability from deep, hitting on 32.4% of his 3-point attempts. His 1.5 steals per game also demonstrate his impact on the defensive side of the ball. Iowa will need to key in on Thornton’s scoring and playmaking.
For the Hawkeyes, forward Ben Krikke leads the team with 15.7 points while crashing the boards for 5.1 rebounds per contest. He has topped 20 points in 5 games this year thanks to his efficiency inside the arc (56% FG) and from 3 (35.7%). His size could pose problems for Ohio State’s perimeter-oriented defense. With Krikke dominating the paint and Thornton ruling from the outside, this individual matchup could decide the game.
These two stars likely won’t defend each other much, but they will trade big shots that ignite their respective teams. If Thornton gets hot early, Iowa may have to go big, whereas Ohio State playing small-ball would put Krikke in the post against an undersized defender. This contrast of styles could determine which squad comes out on top in the end.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
With the betting odds yet to be determined, bettors should keep an eye on updates as the game approaches. The performance and statistics of both teams suggest a closely contested battle, with the potential for a high-scoring affair given Iowa’s offensive prowess and Ohio State’s ability to compete at a high level.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends
Ohio State is 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 games. They have failed to cover in 4 of their previous 5 matchups. On the road, the Buckeyes are just 2-5 against the number this season. The over has hit recently for Ohio State, going over the total in 2 of their last 5 contests. For the year, a whopping 8 of their last 13 games have exceeded totals.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Trends
Over their last 5 contests, Iowa has posted a 3-2 record straight up and against the spread. They have been solid at covering numbers at home, going 4-3 ATS this season at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The recent trends also favor high scoring games for the Hawkeyes, with 3 of their previous 5 matchups beating oddsmakers totals. For the season, a robust 8 of Iowa’s last 13 games played in Iowa City have gone over the posted total.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes 2/2/24 Betting Picks
Given the analysis and betting trends, this game presents an intriguing opportunity for bettors. The high-scoring potential of Iowa, combined with Ohio State’s solid defense and ability to compete, suggests a close game that could go either way.
For those looking for zero-charge NCAAB insights, the smart money might lean towards Iowa, especially given their home-court advantage and superior offensive metrics. However, bettors should closely monitor the spread and total points line as the game approaches, considering Ohio State’s potential to upset.
Free Pick and Prediction: Iowa Hawkeyes 78, Ohio State Buckeyes 74.