College Basketball Pick of the Day: Buckeyes Need to Dump Hawkeyes to Get Back on Track

Iowa vs Ohio State is easily today’s top college basketball game, as Sunday is going to be quiet compared to yesterday’s action. Baylor lost their perfect season and phenom Cade Cunningham finally went off in an overtime win over the Sooners (and that was just in the Big 12).

Today you can focus on the Big Ten to get your college hoops fix. That is where the only game featuring two ranked teams is taking place.

Iowa vs. Ohio State, CBS, 4:00 PM

Matchup: (#9) Iowa Hawkeyes (17-7 SU, 13-11 ATS) vs. (#4) Ohio State Buckeyes (18-6 SU, 14-9-1 ATS)

Spread: Iowa +3.5 (-110), Ohio State -3.5 (-110)
Total: Over 158.5 (-110), Under 158.5 (-110)
Money Line: Iowa +136, Ohio State -162

Iowa is looking to rebound off a loss to Michigan, which cemented just how good the Wolverines are. Now they are on the road for the second time in a week and they have to be wondering about themselves a little bit. One constant this season for Iowa has been their offense, but Michigan really shut them down. The Wolverines held the Hawkeyes to a season-low 57 points on Thursday. Ohio State looks like a better matchup, as they do not have anyone who can stand up to Luka Garza. He is the key for Iowa.

Ohio State also recently lost to Michigan, as they fell to the Wolverines last Sunday. That wasn’t so bad, even at home. But following it up with a road loss to Michigan State was a surprise. Now they need this win to get things back on track after looking like a #1 seed a week ago.

I think the urgency narrative might be feeding public interest in the Ohio State side of this game. After opening at -1, the number has moved to 3.5. At that first number, I was all over the Buckeyes over the Hawkeyes. That was with the thinking that back-to-back losses would be a chance for coach Chris Holtman to reset things, especially a defense that has been a little leaky. I do think OSU will be better but I am not liking the line now. I am expecting a close game.

Iowa vs Ohio State Betting Advice

Take Iowa. I like them as long as this number stays where it is and maybe it goes up a little with even more money coming in on OSU. Look for all of the Hawkeyes three-point bombs to balance things out against a team that is much more comfortable inside the arc. Garza makes a Player of the Year statement.)