It was a much better effort, but the end result is still a loss, Ohio State basketball’s fifteenth in a row on the road dating back to January 2023. The Buckeyes were much more competitive and were in it all the way until the end but dropped the game 79-77 to Iowa on Friday night.
It was nip and tuck from the start with neither team ever grabbing a lead more than five points throughout the entire contest. The Buckeyes went into halftime with the 38-36 lead, but Iowa would be able to match everything Ohio State did in the second half and made a few more plays down the stretch to hold off the Scarlet and Gray.
With time running out and the Buckeyes down two, Ohio State guard Dale Bonner missed the second of two free throws intentionally but neither team could grab the rebound and time expired. In the end, it was a loss in seven of the last eight games, fourth in a row, and the streak of losing road games continues with a tough road still ahead.
Final from Iowa City.
OSU: 77
IOWA: 79The Buckeyes are back at home Tuesday night at 7 pm ET vs Indiana. pic.twitter.com/i11W4ErC0p
— Ohio State Hoops 🌰 (@OhioStateHoops) February 3, 2024
Jamison Battle led Ohio State in scoring with 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Felix Okpara (14), Bruce Thornton (14), and Roddy Gayle Jr. (12) all finished in double figures in a much more balanced and team-oriented approach.
With the loss, Ohio State drops to 13-9 overall and 3-8 in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes will next host the Indiana Hoosiers at home on Tuesday.
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