| MATCHUP | Iowa Hawkeyes | Ohio State Buckeyes |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 21-12 | 21-11 |
| Where | United Center, Chicago, IL | |
| When | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | |
| Time | 12:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | BTN | |
The Iowa Hawkeyes and the Ohio State Buckeyes meet Thursday in Big Ten Tournament college basketball action from United Center in Chicago. Here’s an Iowa vs Ohio State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Iowa vs Ohio State pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview
The Hawkeyes were 18-5 back on February 8 and coming off a nice six-game win streak. The next eight games were a rough 2-6 run however, featuring wins over Nebraska and Ohio State mixed in with losses to Maryland, Purdue, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan and Nebraska. After a win over Maryland the Hawkeyes now have a 21-11 overall record in the books this year.
On Wednesday versus the Terrapins in the tournament game, the Hawkeyes were trailing 26-25 going into the second half. Iowa got it going from there on a 50-38 run and powered out the victory in the end 75-64 to keep their run going. Cooper Koch had 19 points with three rebounds in the victory and Bennett Stritz had 17 points with six boards and eight assists.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview
Over on the Buckeyes’ side, they were 13-5 through their first 18 games this year. Ohio State then hit a very choppy run, going 4-6 over the next 10 games. Those losses came to Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan again, Virginia, Michigan State and Iowa. Since then it’s been wins over Purdue, Penn State and Indiana. That gives the Buckeyes a 20-11 run in the books this year.
In the Indiana game back on Saturday the Buckeyes jumped out to a comfortable lead 50-33 by the end of the first half. Ohio State hit a 45-41 deficit the rest of the way, cruising to a victory at home 91-78 in the end. Leading the team in scoring during the win was Bruce Thornton with 25 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Both Amare Bynum and John Mobley added 18 points apiece.
Iowa Hawkeyes @ Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends: March 12, 2026
Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win
- Ohio State has won eight of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Iowa has lost each of its last six Thursday games against Conference opponents.
- Iowa has lost the first half in four of its last five Conference Tournament games.
Why the Iowa Hawkeyes will win
- Iowa has won each of its last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Ohio State has lost nine of its last 12 day games against the Big Ten Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Ohio State’s last 10 games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 141+ points.
- Nine of Iowa’s last 10 games against Conference opponents at neutral venues have produced a total of 141+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Ohio State ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for field goal percentage this season (49.5%).
- Ohio State ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (77.5%).
- Iowa ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game this season (28.6).
- Iowa ranks 358th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (29.7).
Iowa vs Ohio State Prediction
I’ll just lean toward Ohio State in this one. The Buckeyes are coming off a very nice win over a pretty solid Indiana team, hitting 59.2 percent from the field with 88 percent (22-of-25) from the line and a 23-17 rebounding edge. Ohio State committed just eight turnovers but did have a 40-30 deficit on points in the paint. The Buckeyes have won three straight games now, scoring 82 or more points in all three and 91 or more points in two of them.
These teams last met up back on February 25 in a 74-57 road loss for the Buckeyes. In that one Ohio State shot a tepid 41.9 percent from the field while the Hawkeyes rattled off a whopping 57.4 percent on the other side. The Buckeyes were out-rebounded 26-22 and had a 44-18 deficit in the paint. That loss makes this tournament rematch that much more interesting. I like Ohio State to rally and get some revenge, but they need a much better effort.