Iowa begins the Big Ten tournament against Ohio State on Wednesday in Indianapolis looking to use the experience from having already played an elimination game.
The No. 15 seed Hawkeyes (16-15) defeated host Nebraska 83-68 on Sunday to claim the final tourney berth over the Cornhuskers.
“It’s good it’s not over,” Iowa forward Payton Sandfort said. “We get a fresh start. We go to Indy and anything can happen in March.”
The No. 10 seed Buckeyes (17-14) had their own drama in the regular-season finale, losing 66-60 to host Indiana to give the Hoosiers the No. 9 seed and a bye to the second round on Thursday.
In order to win the tournament and the automatic NCAA bid, Ohio State or Iowa must win five games in as many days.
The Hawkeyes will draw inspiration from North Carolina State accomplishing the feat in the 2024 ACC tournament, said Pryce Sandfort, Payton’s younger brother.
“We definitely talked about that as a team,” he said. “N.C. State is a perfect example of this, so that’s what we plan on doing.”
Ohio State pins its hope on fifth-year guard Micah Parrish and junior guard Bruce Thornton.
Parrish, in his first season with the Buckeyes, has played 165 career games and helped San Diego State to the 2023 national championship game against UConn.
Thornton leads the Buckeyes with a 17.5 scoring average and grabs 3.4 rebounds per game.
“Micah is the guy who’s had the most experience for us,” Ohio State coach Jake Diebler said. “The way he’s played, and kind of backed up what he said, I think, has been really impactful.
“We want to play with great joy, and our leaders need to lead the way with that. Micah has been really good. Bruce’s leadership has been really good.”
The Hawkeyes will rely on the trio of Payton Sandfort (22 points), Pryce Sandfort (16) and Josh Dix (15) , who combined for 53 points vs. Nebraska. Pryce Sandfort had a team-best 11 rebounds and his brother added eight.
The winner plays No. 7 seed Illinois on Thursday.
–Field Level Media
