The Ohio State Buckeyes (18-0, 5-0) enter this game in Value City Arena coming off a big win against Talor Battle and the Nittany Lions. After taking the #1 spot for the first time since the 2006 season, they bring in the Hawkeyes of Iowa.
They've been anything but dominant of late in staying unbeaten, however, with their last four wins, all against unranked opponents, coming by a total of 15 points.
Those four teams shot a combined 47.7 percent, and Ohio State allowed Penn State to hit 55.6 percent from the floor -- the second highest mark against the Buckeyes this season -- in a 69-66 win Saturday. Thad Matta said he would rather have a better defense then the #1 ranking, and I would agree with him. For right now, rankings don't mean too much. March Madness seedings are usually dependent on RPI (which, for the Buckeyes, looks pretty decent right now).
The stretch of close results began with a 73-68 victory at Iowa on Jan. 4. The Hawkeyes led 35-29 at halftime, but freshman Jared Sullinger had 24 points and 12 rebounds to help the Buckeyes hold on.
Ohio State shot 55.4 percent, but Iowa's point total is the highest allowed by the Buckeyes this season. The Hawkeyes last beat a No. 1 team Nov. 11, 1999, defeating Connecticut 70-68. They're 0-3 versus top-ranked opponents since.
Ohio State has beaten Iowa five straight times and seven of eight, including five consecutive victories in Columbus.
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| Buford will try and keep the Hawkeyes at bay |
I don't think Iowa will be sticking around just as long, though. Ohio State is steadily getting better on the defensive side, and I think they start to shut down opponents. Watch for William Buford and, of course, Jared Sullinger to have a big game. At home, these guys have been pretty good, and we should see an OSU win as they are able to retain the #1 spot.
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