In a game that may not have been a true "must-win," Iowa's clash with Ohio State was certainly pivotal for the Hawkeyes' postseason aspirations.
Heading into the February 25 matchup at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa was just a spot ahead of Ohio State in the Big Ten Conference standings. The stakes were clear: a victory would secure the No. 8 position for the Hawkeyes and put them in prime position for a double bye in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.
The game started rocky for Iowa, with the Buckeyes jumping to a 14-2 lead early in the first half. However, the Hawkeyes responded with an impressive 36-9 run to close the half, ultimately cruising to a 74-57 victory. This win solidified Iowa's hold on the No. 8 spot in the Big Ten standings, a feat they hadn't achieved in five seasons.
With this victory, Iowa marked its first 20-win season since the 2021-2022 campaign, moving past Ohio State in the standings. Securing eighth place means a double bye and a start on day three of the Big Ten Tournament, provided they maintain their position through the final three games of the regular season.
This win also added another Quad 2 victory to their resume, making them a perfect 7-0 in such games under head coach Ben McCollum's leadership. McCollum's ability to turn the program around quicker than many anticipated underscores his knack for winning wherever he goes.
As the regular season winds down, Iowa faces crucial matchups against Penn State, Michigan, and Nebraska. With their current momentum, the Hawkeyes are well-positioned for a favorable seed in the Big Ten Tournament.