Ohio State vs. Iowa odds, props, predictions: Hawkeyes, Buckeyes in for a shootout?

The start of conference play has been rough for both the Buckeyes and Hawkeyes. Each posted strong nonconference records but have done more losing than winning in Big Ten play. Tonight's contest will be the only regular season matchup between Ohio State and Iowa. With their the NCAA Tournament chances slipping away, both are in desperate need of a win.

The Hawkeyes have not been good against the spread this season, with just a 9-12 ATS record. Iowa has also lost three of their last four and only covered the spread once in that span. The Hawkeyes offense has been struggling, too, hitting the UNDER for total points in three of their last four.

It has been even worse for Ohio State, with a 6-15 ATS record this season. Conference play has been rough for the Buckeyes, and they have lost six of their last seven games and only covered the spread once. Their offense has been getting better, as they have hit the OVER for total points in three straight contests.

Here is the Ohio State vs. Iowa betting news, player props and a betting prediction for tonight's Big Ten matchup. The game tips off at 7 p.m. on FS1.

Live odds for Ohio State vs. Iowa

Here are the spread, moneyline and total points live odds for Ohio State vs. Iowa at the best online sportsbooks.

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Ohio State Buckeyes betting news

The Buckeyes offense has been pretty solid this season, and they rank 42nd on Kenpom for adjusted offensive efficiency. What has let Ohio State down is their inability to stop their opponent's offense; they rank 119th for adjusted defensive efficiency on Kenpom. They have played some challenging opponents, ranking 53rd for strength of schedule.

Ohio State has a strong trio of double-digit scorers, starting with leading scorer Bruce Thornton (15.7 PPG). His backcourt partner Roddy Gayle is tied for second in scoring at 14.1 PPG. He is second in assists with 3.2 APG. The team's stretch four is the other player tied for second in scoring. Jamison Battle (14.1 PPG) is an excellent three-point shooter at 44.4% from deep.

The Buckeyes could use some help on the glass, as the only player averaging at least six rebounds a night is center Felix Okpara (6.9 RPG). He is an old-school center, and while he only scores 6.2 PPG, it comes primarily off rebounds and scrappy points. Plus, he leads the team in field goal percentage at 60%. He is also a defensive presence, blocking 2.5 shots per contest, ranking eighth in all of college basketball.

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Iowa Hawkeyes betting news

The Hawkeyes fit most Iowa teams' mold in the Fran McCaffery era. All offense and no defense, as they have not had a team ranked better than 75th for adjusted defensive efficiency on Kenpom in the last five seasons. This year's squad ranks 117th for adjusted defensive efficiency.

The offense is among the best in college hoops, ranking 18th for adjusted efficiency, and boasts a strong contingent of scorers with four averaging double figures. Three of the four average at least 15 points per game, and anyone can lead the team on any night. Leading scorer Tony Perkins averages 15.5 points, while Ben Krikke (15.0 PPG) and Payton Sandfort (15.0 PPG) share second. 

The fourth player averaging double figures is freshman Owen Freeman (10.9 PPG, 64.4 FG%), who, has really grown throughout the season and is top 10 in the nation in field goal percentage. Even though the Hawkeyes have not been having a lot of success recently, Freeman has been playing some of his best basketball. He has scored double-figures eight times and grabbed double-digit rebounds three times in the last 11 games.

The Hawkeyes could use some more guard help, though, as Krikke, Sandfort and Freeman are all frontcourt players. Even fifth-leading scorer Patrick McCaffery (8.7 PPG) is a frontcourt player. Tony Perkins has been fantastic, but Iowa needs more backcourt help. When an Iowa guard besides Perkins scores in double figures, they are 9-2. 

If they want to reach their ceiling as a team, they could really use two things: improved defense and more consistent guard play from their role players. Given the history of Iowa teams, the first is unlikely, but the second could help the Hawkeyes get back into NCAA Tournament contention.

Ohio State vs. Iowa player props at FanDuel Sportsbook

Here are some of the top player prop markets for Ohio State vs. Iowa from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Payton Sandfort prop bets

• 14.5 points OVER (-106) / UNDER (-122)
• 6.5 rebounds OVER (+102) / UNDER (-136)

Owen Freeman prop bets

• 11.5 points OVER (-114) / UNDER (-114)
• 6.5 rebounds OVER (-114) / UNDER (-114)

Roddy Gayle prop bets

• 12.5 points OVER (-130) / UNDER (+100)
• 4.5 rebounds OVER (-102) / UNDER (-130)
• 2.5 assists OVER (-160) / UNDER (+120)

Tony Perkins prop bets

• 17.5 points OVER (-108) / UNDER (-120)
• 4.5 rebounds OVER (-154) / UNDER (+116)
• 3.5 assists OVER (-154) / UNDER (+116)

Ben Krikke prop bets

• 13.5 points OVER (-110) / UNDER (-118)
• 4.5 rebounds OVER (-158) / UNDER (+118)

Bruce Thornton prop bets

• 14.5 points OVER (-115) / UNDER (-113)
• 3.5 assists OVER (-130) / UNDER (-102)

Jamison Battle prop bets

• 13.5 points OVER (-125) / UNDER (-104)
• 5.5 rebounds OVER (+100) / UNDER (-132)

Ohio State vs. Iowa prediction: Iowa protects home court

The Hawkeyes have home-court advantage and match up well with the Buckeyes. Neither team is great defensively, so it could come down to who can win in a shootout. The Hawkeyes are better equipped to win a high-scoring contest, giving them the edge tonight.

Pick: Iowa