Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament Dreams Likely Dashed After 77-70 Loss to Iowa
The Ohio State Buckeyes entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament race with high hopes and aspirations of making a deep run, but after their crushing 77-70 loss to Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament, those dreams now appear to be all but dashed. The defeat not only knocked Ohio State out of the Big Ten Tournament but also significantly reduced their chances of receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes’ performance on Thursday night in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals showcased the flaws that have plagued their season, including inconsistent play, a lack of leadership, and struggles in crucial moments.
This loss marks another chapter in a tumultuous season for Ohio State basketball, which has seen both highs and lows, and while the team showed flashes of brilliance throughout the year, they were unable to consistently put together complete performances when it mattered most. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key moments from the Ohio State-Iowa game, break down how this loss impacts Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament hopes, and analyze the broader implications of the defeat for the future of the Buckeyes’ program.
The Game Breakdown: A Tough Loss in the Big Ten Tournament
The Buckeyes came into this game against Iowa knowing that they needed a win to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. While they were on the bubble for a spot in the tournament, they faced an Iowa team that had been playing well in recent weeks, led by star guard Kris Murray, who had the potential to dominate on the offensive end. Ohio State, meanwhile, had struggled with inconsistency and a lack of identity throughout the season, and that trend continued against Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals.
The game began with both teams exchanging baskets early on, but it became clear quickly that Ohio State was having trouble stopping Iowa’s offense, particularly their three-point shooting. Iowa shot 46.7% from beyond the arc in the game, and much of that success can be attributed to Murray, who hit several key three-pointers in the first half and helped Iowa build a lead. Ohio State struggled defensively to contest these shots, and the Hawkeyes exploited the Buckeyes’ defensive lapses.
Offensively, Ohio State was sporadic at best. They had stretches where they moved the ball well and got open looks, but too often, they were stagnant, relying on individual plays rather than team-oriented offense. E.J. Liddell, the team’s star player and a potential NBA prospect, had an up-and-down performance. Liddell finished the game with 19 points and 9 rebounds, but he was largely inefficient, shooting just 7-of-17 from the field. While Liddell’s effort kept Ohio State in the game, the team couldn’t find any consistency around him.
The Buckeyes’ point guard play, another area of concern all season, was again a major issue. Meechie Johnson Jr., who had shown flashes of potential throughout the season, struggled to orchestrate the offense and turned the ball over too frequently. In a game with such high stakes, Ohio State needed their point guard to rise to the occasion, but instead, they found themselves playing catch-up for much of the game.
The game came down to the final minutes, with Ohio State making a late push to try and secure a victory. They cut Iowa’s lead to just four points with under a minute to go, but a crucial turnover and several missed free throws sealed the Buckeyes’ fate. The Hawkeyes, led by Murray’s 22 points and an efficient 10-of-10 showing at the free-throw line, held off Ohio State’s comeback attempt and won 77-70.
Ohio State’s Tournament Hopes: A Frustrating Turn of Events
Entering the Big Ten Tournament, Ohio State knew that their chances of making the NCAA Tournament largely hinged on their performance in this event. The Buckeyes had hovered around the bubble for much of the season, and while their resume had some solid wins, they lacked the signature victories needed to solidify their place in the field of 68.
Before the loss to Iowa, Ohio State had posted a respectable 19-12 overall record, including a solid 11-9 mark in Big Ten play. They had secured wins over notable teams like Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana, but their inconsistency had kept them from cementing their status as a lock for the NCAA Tournament. The loss to Iowa essentially erased any remaining hope for an at-large bid, leaving Ohio State with a significant uphill battle if they hope to find themselves in March Madness.
As of now, the Buckeyes’ resume looks shaky. They are unlikely to secure an at-large bid unless they somehow make a deep run in the NIT and beat several high-quality teams along the way, but even then, it’s not guaranteed. With no marquee wins in the final weeks of the season, Ohio State’s case for an NCAA Tournament bid appears to be all but gone.
The loss to Iowa also raises questions about how Ohio State’s season unraveled so quickly after a promising start. Early in the season, the Buckeyes were considered one of the teams to watch in the Big Ten, with many analysts pegging them as a potential top-five seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, as the season wore on, Ohio State fell apart in key moments. Injuries, inconsistent shooting, and a lack of cohesion on both ends of the court caused them to stumble down the stretch.
One of the major issues that hindered Ohio State’s season was their inability to consistently close out games. Several times this year, they had leads late in contests but were unable to finish, whether due to turnovers, poor shot selection, or defensive lapses. Against Iowa, the Buckeyes had a chance to make a comeback, but once again, they were unable to execute in the clutch, leaving their NCAA Tournament dreams hanging by a thread.
What Went Wrong for Ohio State This Season?
While the loss to Iowa essentially ended Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament hopes, it also highlights the broader issues that plagued the team all season. Here are some of the key reasons why the Buckeyes couldn’t reach their full potential:
- Inconsistent Play: Ohio State was never able to find any sustained consistency throughout the season. The team had moments where they played exceptional basketball, but those were often followed by stretches of poor shooting, bad turnovers, and defensive lapses. The lack of consistency from game to game made it difficult for Ohio State to build any momentum and establish themselves as a reliable tournament team.
- Lack of Leadership: While E.J. Liddell was a talented player, he often struggled to take over games when his team needed him most. Ohio State’s leadership, both on the court and in the locker room, seemed to fluctuate throughout the season. In tight games, there was often no clear leader to step up and make plays when needed.
- Turnovers and Poor Decision-Making: One of the most frustrating aspects of Ohio State’s play this season was their turnover issues. Meechie Johnson Jr. and other ball handlers had trouble managing the offense, resulting in unforced turnovers that stopped the Buckeyes from executing at a high level. In games like the Iowa loss, Ohio State had opportunities to get back in the game but were undone by costly turnovers in crucial moments.
- Defensive Struggles: While Ohio State had some solid defensive players, they often struggled to consistently stop opposing offenses. In games like the one against Iowa, the Buckeyes’ defense couldn’t get stops when needed most. Iowa shot the ball well, particularly from three-point range, and Ohio State’s inability to close out on shooters and contest shots played a major role in their defeat.
What’s Next for Ohio State Basketball?
With their NCAA Tournament hopes effectively dashed, the Buckeyes now face a period of reflection and regrouping. While they will still be eligible for the NIT, this season’s failure to make the NCAA Tournament is a significant blow to the program and raises questions about the direction of Ohio State basketball under head coach Chris Holtmann.
Holtmann will have to evaluate the team’s performance this season and make adjustments as necessary. The lack of leadership, inconsistent play, and poor decision-making must be addressed if the program hopes to bounce back in the future. With talented players like Liddell likely moving on to professional opportunities, Ohio State will need to retool its roster and find a way to restore the team’s competitive edge.
As the Buckeyes head into the offseason, they will need to recruit more players who can contribute right away, develop a stronger team identity, and find a way to execute in clutch moments. Ohio State’s program has the resources, the tradition, and the fanbase to rebound, but this season’s disappointment is a clear reminder of how quickly things can go awry in college basketball. For now, the Buckeyes will look to build for the future, hoping that this loss serves as the catalyst for change and improvement moving forward.