Top-10 Showdown: No. 2 Ohio State Women’s Basketball Takes on No. 6 Iowa in Regular Season Finale
As the regular season comes to a close, basketball fans are eagerly anticipating the highly anticipated matchup between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 6 Iowa in women’s college basketball. While there may not be any Big Ten title or tournament implications at stake, this top-10 showdown promises to be a thrilling game that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Buckeyes have already secured their first solo Big Ten regular-season title since 2010 with a victory over Michigan. Despite having their postseason questions answered, Ohio State is determined to end the regular season on a high note by defeating the Hawkeyes. The rivalry between these two teams adds an extra layer of motivation for both sides.
The last time these two teams met, they engaged in an intense battle that went into overtime. The sold-out crowd at Value City Arena witnessed Caitlin Clark, the nation’s leading scorer, drop an impressive 45 points for the Hawkeyes. However, it was Ohio State’s Cotie McMahon who stole the show with 33 points and 12 rebounds, leading her team to an upset victory over then-ranked No. 18 Iowa.
Expectations are high for a similar atmosphere at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, with ticket prices reaching all-time highs for women’s college basketball. This game holds even more significance as it marks Senior Day for the Hawkeyes and Clark’s final regular-season game with the program. Clark recently declared for the 2024 WNBA draft, adding an emotional element to this matchup.
To add to the excitement, ESPN’s College GameDay will be hosted live from Carver-Hawkeye Arena prior to the game. The presence of this popular show further emphasizes the significance of this top-10 showdown.
For those unable to attend the game in person, there are several options to catch the action. The tipoff is set for 1 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. The game will be televised on Fox, and streaming is available via the Fox Sports app. Gus Johnson and Sarah Kustok will provide the commentary, with Allison Williams reporting from the sideline.
Before the game, fans can tune in to College GameDay coverage on ESPN until noon. The panel will include Carolyn Peck, Rebecca Lobo, Elle Duncan, Andraya Carter, Chiney Ogwumike, and Holly Rowe, offering their insights and analysis on this highly anticipated matchup.
For those who prefer to listen to the game on the radio, it will be broadcast on 97.1 FM and 1460 AM. The radio call will feature Matt Andrews, Kristin Watt, and Caity Matter Henniger.
As for the betting enthusiasts, Iowa enters the game as a 7-point favorite against Ohio State, with the over-under set at 170.5 points. It promises to be a closely contested battle between these two top-ranked teams.
Reflecting on their performances this season, Ohio State has been on a roll with a 15-game winning streak since their loss to Michigan on December 30. They have shown significant improvement compared to the previous season, with notable victories over No. 20 Tennessee and No. 10 Indiana.
On the other hand, Iowa has faced some challenges following their first matchup against Ohio State. They suffered losses to Nebraska and Indiana, which have slightly dampened their conference record.
Caitlin Clark’s exceptional performance throughout the season cannot be overlooked. She recently surpassed Kelsey Plum’s NCAA women’s all-time scoring record and is now just 18 points away from breaking the overall NCAA all-time scoring record held by Pete Maravich.
With all these storylines and the talent on both teams, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown between Ohio State and Iowa. Basketball fans across the nation will be eagerly watching as these top-ranked teams battle it out on the court.