By Steve Patterson
Poor Shooting
Ohio State's 53-48 loss to Iowa at Carver- Hawkeye Arena was tough and unexpected as Ohio State had dominated Iowa in Columbus earlier this season. But Ohio State shot less that 40% from the field for the game and went cold in the second half for one long period of time near the end of the game.
The Buckeyes shot better in the first half going 9-22 and 2-9 three throws but went really cold in the second half of the game only hitting 12-34 (35%) from the field and 1-12 (8%) from beyond the arch. Othello Hunter, Kosta Koufos, and David Lighty were bright spots for Ohio State from a shooting percentage on the night.
Lack of Interest - Been there done that.
Jamar Butler was very vocal after the game about a lack on motivation among his teammates possibly due to the way they took the Hawkeyes apart previously. “We keep trying to be positive, saying 'We're OK,' blah, blah, blah, but I'm done with that," Butler said. "I'm just going to start going at guys and tell them how it is.”
Butler continued that this year does not have the fire that the previous years team had with Mike Conley, Greg Oden, and Daequan Cook in the mix. “Last year's team, this never would have happened, I can tell you that,” He said. “Guys were mentally ready to go night in and night out. I guess it was just more important to us last year.”
Hawkeye's Motivated
Iowa came into the game very motivated as the facility was nearly sold out for a celebration of 25 years in Carver-Hawkeye Arena by the basketball team. In addition, Iowa had something to prove that they were not as bad as they looked in the first meeting between these two teams. Fans got fired up just before the tip-off while viewing a video of some of the highlights of Iowa basketball in the arena over the past 25 years.
Maybe better to have guys longer.
After losing three freshmen to the NBA in 2007, Ohio State fans might accept a down year from a second group of freshman if that means they stay in the program longer. Kosta Koufus could be playing in the Greek professional league at this time. If he feels the desire to stick it out in college basketball one more year to win a championship with a team that gains four of the best 2008 recruits in the country next year in point guard Anthony Carter, shooting guards William Buford and Walter Offutt, and central Ohio product BJ Mullins, Buckeye fans nationwide would celebrate.
What Others Had To Say?
Butler left frustrated after listless loss
Ohio State Buckeyes lose to Iowa Hawkeyes in men's college basketball
Reversal of fortune