New from Braydon previewing tonight's game:
Preview: Iowa WBB at No. 2 Ohio State
In the conference race, Ohio State sits a game ahead of Iowa and #6 Indiana, and two games ahead of #11 Maryland and #14 Michigan. This is Iowa’s only matchup with Ohio State in the regular season. If Iowa wins this game, it's squarely back in the Big Ten Title race. An Ohio State win, and the Buckeyes and Hoosiers are the heavy favorites.
Ohio State’s calling card is its offense. Almost every Buckeye can shoot from three, and most shoot the three very well. That shooting prowess helps Ohio State space the floor well and opens up driving lanes. Those drives are arguably what kills teams. Ohio State shoots 35.2% from three (44th in the country) but shoots 55.5% from two (7th in the country). All told, the Buckeyes average 86.3 points per game (5th in the country) and score the 10th-most points per 100 possessions.
The big change for Ohio State this year is that its defense has gotten better. It surrenders 80.3 points per 100 possessions, which is 21st in the nation. Last year, Ohio State was 102nd in the same category.
Preview: Iowa WBB at No. 2 Ohio State