Brock Harding Leads Iowa to Victory in Big Ten Tournament Opener
In a thrilling Big Ten Tournament matchup, 15th-seeded Iowa managed to edge out the 10th-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes with a final score of 77-70. Brock Harding was the hero of the game, scoring 15 points, including a clutch three-pointer that sealed the deal for the Hawkeyes. His performance was instrumental in helping Iowa pull away in the final moments, securing a spot in the next round of the tournament. The game was tightly contested, with 13 lead changes and 10 ties throughout, showcasing the intense competition between the two teams.
Ohio State’s Struggles Continue
The loss marks Ohio State’s fifth defeat in their last seven games, placing them on shaky ground for NCAA Tournament consideration. Prior to this game, they were considered one of the "last four" teams likely to make the tournament by analyst Mike DeCourcy. However, their inability to advance in the conference tournament could derail their hopes of securing a spot. The Buckeyes had their chances to win, tying the game at 61 with just over seven minutes left, but critical mistakes down the stretch, including missed shots and turnovers, cost them the game.
Iowa’s Balanced Offense Leads the Way
Iowa’s victory was not just due to Harding’s heroics but also the balanced offensive effort from the team. Payton Sandfort finished with 17 points, while Josh Dix added 16 and Pryce Sandfort chipped in with 10. The Hawkeyes shot an impressive 55% from the field and went 10-of-24 from three-point range, outpacing the Buckeyes’ 5-of-22 performance from beyond the arc. This offensive efficiency, combined with key defensive stops, allowed Iowa to maintain control of the game in the second half.
Ohio State’s Fight to the Finish
Despite the loss, Ohio State showed resilience, fighting until the final buzzer. Bruce Thornton delivered a standout performance, scoring 24 points and dishing out nine assists. Devin Royal added 17 points, and Micah Parrish contributed 16. The Buckeyes managed to cut the deficit to 72-70 in the final minutes, but they couldn’t overcome Harding’s clutch three-pointer and Iowa’s subsequent free throws to seal the game. Thornton’s efforts were commendable, but they weren’t enough to overcome the team’s overall struggles.
What’s Next for Both Teams
With the victory, Iowa (17-15) advances to the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, where they’ll face the seventh-seeded Illinois Fighting Illini (20-11). The Hawkeyes will look to build on their strong offensive performance and maintain their momentum as they take on a tough opponent. Meanwhile, Ohio State (17-15) will have to wait anxiously to see if they’ll receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Their performance in the conference tournament has likely hurt their chances, but their overall season record and earlier performance could still earn them a spot.
A Game to Remember
This matchup was a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of college basketball. Both teams gave their all, and the game’s outcome was in doubt until the final moments. The Hawkeyes’ ability to capitalize on crucial opportunities and their balanced scoring proved to be the difference. For Iowa, this win is a testament to their resilience and teamwork, while for Ohio State, it’s a reminder of the fine line between victory and defeat. As the tournament progresses, both teams will have plenty to reflect on and prepare for the challenges ahead.
