Ohio State's tourney hopes take massive hit with first-round loss in Big Ten Tournament

The lack of defense behind the arc proved costly as the Buckeyes only went 5-of-22 from deep and simply could not keep pace.

Another issue was Ohio State's lack of dominance in the paint. Iowa allowed the most points in the paint of any team in the Big Ten this season and was only outscored by two (34-32) in that area on Wednesday night.

Two of Ohio State's key players underneath, sophomores Sean Stewart (two points, 1-of-2 FG) and Aaron Bradshaw (zero points, 0-of-4 FG) only combined for six attempts the entire game. In a game the Buckeyes needed to have to strengthen their tournament case, they were unable to take advantage of Iowa's weakness and make it easier on themselves.

Prior to the game, ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi had Ohio State in the Last Four In. After the loss, Lunardi dropped the Buckeyes down to the First Four Out. Coming into Wednesday, Ohio State's NET ranking was 37, and its record against Quad 1 opponents was 6-11. 

Wins over bubble team Texas to begin the season, as well as Kentucky and conference opponents Purdue and Maryland, help its case. However, the 11 losses suggest the missed opportunities that slipped away from Ohio State, which could ultimately prove costly when the selection committee compares resumes. 

What Ohio State (17-15, 9-11 Big Ten) has going against it is the fact that the teams around it on the bubble are still playing in their conference tournaments. Depending on how fellow bubble teams like Oklahoma, Indiana, North Carolina and Texas fair this week, the Buckeyes could hang around the bubble and still be considered on Selection Sunday — or stay out of the field of 68 altogether.

A win over Iowa would have advanced Ohio State to the second round of the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday, where a win or a close loss to Illinois could have been enough for Ohio State to at least have the selection committee's attention on Sunday. Now, it finds itself on the outside looking in and hoping the teams around it on the bubble squander the opportunities they are now presented with.