Busting Brackets
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Iowa Basketball: 3 takeaways from dominating win over No. 4 Ohio State

By Benjamin Zacher

Feb 28, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes center Luka Garza (55) goes to the basket as Ohio State Buckeyes guard Duane Washington Jr. (4) defends during the first half at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes center Luka Garza (55) goes to the basket as Ohio State Buckeyes guard Duane Washington Jr. (4) defends during the first half at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Iowa Basketball Keegan Murray 210210 Rutgers Iowa Mbb 008 Jpg
Iowa Basketball Keegan Murray 210210 Rutgers Iowa Mbb 008 Jpg /

2. Freshman Keegan Murray has provided a sense of optimism for the Hawkeyes’ future

If there has been a new, pleasant surprise on the floor for Iowa this season, it has been the play of freshman Keegan Murray – and he provided further optimism with his performance against the Buckeyes.

Murray has not necessarily stuffed the stat sheet to the extent of players like Luka Garza and Joe Wieskamp, but the 6-8 freshman entered the game against Ohio State averaging 6.9 points and 5.0 rebounds.  Since Iowa’s loss to Ohio State back on February 4th, Murray has maintained marks of 7.7 points, 6.0 boards, and a block per game.

Murray has not recorded double-digits since Iowa’s February 10th win over Rutgers, where he scored 10 – but the freshman did tally eight points (4-6 2PT) with five boards, one block, and two steals against the Buckeyes.  Murray’s eight points were tied for third-most on the team, alongside Jordan Bohannon.

Bohannon’s ongoing flourishment and development has been critical for an Iowa team that was forced to operate without starter CJ Fredrick for a short while – and now, has lost a crucial role player in Jack Nunge, who suffered a season-ending injury against Michigan.  Against Ohio State, playing 21 minutes off the bench, Murray finished as a plus-9 in the box-score – ahead of three members of the starting five.

There are still numerous aspects of Murray’s game that need to be worked on – including gaining physicality, which his lack thereof was displayed against Ohio State where he missed an easy layup.  But Murray’s steadiness as a reliable role player off the bench has been critical for an Iowa team that is already deep with offensive weapons – and that type of depth will greatly benefit the Hawkeyes moving into the tournament.

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