Ohio State Buckeyes Edge Iowa Hawkeyes in Close Game
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · United Center
Ohio State Buckeyes 72, Iowa Hawkeyes 69, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Iowa Hawkeyes vs Ohio State Buckeyes?
Ohio State Buckeyes beat Iowa Hawkeyes 72-69 at United Center on March 12, 2026.
Who was favored in Iowa Hawkeyes vs Ohio State Buckeyes?
Iowa Hawkeyes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -115 (about 53% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 72-69 at the United Center. This victory marked a significant moment for Ohio State, who had previously lost to Iowa in their last two meetings, including a 57-74 defeat just a couple of weeks prior on February 26, 2026. The win also allowed Ohio State to improve their overall record to 22-11, while Iowa fell to 21-13.
Ohio State entered the game with a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games, riding a three-game winning streak. Their scoring average during this stretch was impressive, with the Buckeyes averaging 76.8 points per game while allowing 71.9. Notable recent victories included a 91-78 win against Indiana and a 94-62 triumph over Penn State. In contrast, Iowa had struggled recently, with a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, and they were coming off a win against Maryland, which broke a five-game losing streak. Iowa's scoring average during this period was 69.2 points per game, with an average of 70.8 points allowed.
At home, Ohio State boasted a solid record of 4-2 in their last six games, while Iowa had not fared well on the road, losing all four of their most recent away games. This home advantage played a crucial role in the outcome of the game. The Buckeyes had a strong showing at home throughout the season, contributing to their overall success.
The matchup was also significant in terms of betting lines. DraftKings set the odds with Iowa favored by 1.5 points, indicating a competitive expectation from the market. The total points line was set at 140.5, reflecting an anticipated high-scoring affair, although the final score fell short of this total.
In terms of player performances, the game featured several key moments. Alvaro Folgueiras of Iowa made notable contributions, including a 29-foot three-point jumper and a 24-foot three-point jumper that kept the Hawkeyes within striking distance. However, Ohio State's Devin Royal made crucial plays, including a driving layup that helped maintain the Buckeyes' lead late in the game. The final minutes saw a flurry of free throws, with John Mobley Jr. sealing the victory for Ohio State with two successful attempts from the line.
The conditions at the United Center were conducive to an exciting game, with a vibrant atmosphere as both teams fought for postseason positioning. Fans witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their offensive capabilities.
Overall, this game highlighted the resilience of the Ohio State Buckeyes, who managed to overcome their previous losses to Iowa and secure a vital win in the NCAAB season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IOWA -1.5 | 140.5 o -112 / u -108 | Iowa Hawkeyes -115 · Ohio State Buckeyes -105 |
Leaders
- PointsBruce Thornton24Ohio State Buckeyes
- AssistsAmare Bynum4Ohio State Buckeyes
- ReboundsBruce Thornton6Ohio State Buckeyes
- PointsBennett Stirtz17Iowa Hawkeyes
- AssistsBennett Stirtz4Iowa Hawkeyes
- ReboundsAlvaro Folgueiras6Iowa Hawkeyes
Recent form
Ohio State Buckeyes
Last 10: 6-4Streak W376.8 scored · 71.9 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W91-78vs Indiana HoosiersMar 7
- W94-62at Penn State Nittany LionsMar 5
- W82-74vs Purdue BoilermakersMar 1
- L57-74at Iowa HawkeyesFeb 26
- L60-66at Michigan State SpartansFeb 22
- W86-69vs Wisconsin BadgersFeb 18
- L66-70vs Virginia CavaliersFeb 15
- W89-82vs USC TrojansFeb 11
- L61-82vs Michigan WolverinesFeb 8
- W82-62at Maryland TerrapinsFeb 6
Iowa Hawkeyes
Last 10: 4-6Streak W169.2 scored · 70.8 allowed per game0-4 away
- W75-64vs Maryland TerrapinsMar 11
- L75-84at Nebraska CornhuskersMar 8
- L68-71vs Michigan WolverinesMar 6
- L69-71at Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 28
- W74-57vs Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 26
- L71-84at Wisconsin BadgersFeb 22
- W57-52vs Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 18
- L57-78vs Purdue BoilermakersFeb 14
- L70-77at Maryland TerrapinsFeb 11
- W76-70vs Northwestern WildcatsFeb 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Iowa Hawkeyes | Ohio State Buckeyes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-44 | 26-47 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 55 |
| Three-pointers | 10-21 | 6-20 |
| Three-point % | 48 | 30 |
| Free throws | 15-19 | 14-19 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 21 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 16 |
| Assists | 16 | 17 |
| Steals | 5 | 3 |
| Blocks | 2 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 36 |
| Fouls | 16 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 37 | 61 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-36Christoph Tilly makes driving layup (Devin Royal assists)
- 2nd Half32-38Bruce Thornton makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half33-38Cam Manyawu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half33-41John Mobley Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Amare Bynum assists)
- 2nd Half34-41Tavion Banks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-41Tavion Banks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-43Bruce Thornton makes 8-foot floating jump shot (Taison Chatman assists)
- 2nd Half35-44Bruce Thornton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half35-46Bruce Thornton makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half35-48Bruce Thornton makes driving layup
- 2nd Half35-51Bruce Thornton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Taison Chatman assists)
- 2nd Half38-51Tate Sage makes 24-foot three point jumper (Alvaro Folgueiras assists)
- 2nd Half40-51Cam Manyawu makes 1-foot dunk (Brendan Hausen assists)
- 2nd Half40-54Bruce Thornton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Amare Bynum assists)
- 2nd Half43-54Bennett Stirtz makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cam Manyawu assists)
- 2nd Half43-57John Mobley Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Christoph Tilly assists)
- 2nd Half43-58Amare Bynum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-58Cam Manyawu makes layup (Brendan Hausen assists)
- 2nd Half47-58Bennett Stirtz makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half49-58Cam Manyawu makes driving layup (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 2nd Half50-58Tate Sage makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-58Tate Sage makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-59John Mobley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-59Alvaro Folgueiras makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-59Alvaro Folgueiras makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-61Christoph Tilly makes driving layup (Amare Bynum assists)
- 2nd Half53-64John Mobley Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Amare Bynum assists)
- 2nd Half54-64Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-66Bruce Thornton makes 14-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half56-66Isaia Howard makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half59-66Cooper Koch makes 25-foot three point jumper (Isaia Howard assists)
- 2nd Half59-68Amare Bynum makes 1-foot dunk (Ivan Njegovan assists)
- 2nd Half62-68Alvaro Folgueiras makes 29-foot three point jumper (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 2nd Half62-70Devin Royal makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-70Alvaro Folgueiras makes 24-foot three point jumper (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 2nd Half67-70Tavion Banks makes 2-foot dunk (Alvaro Folgueiras assists)
- 2nd Half68-70Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-70Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-71John Mobley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72John Mobley Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Ohio State Buckeyes, below favours Iowa Hawkeyes.
Venue
- United CenterChicago, IL
- OfficialsBrian Dorsey, Jeffrey Anderson, Andy O'Brien
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These two, other days
- Ohio State Buckeyes Defeat Iowa Hawkeyes 31-14Oct 3, 2026
- Iowa Hawkeyes Defeat Ohio State Buckeyes 74-57Feb 25, 2026