Columbus, OH (My Sportsbook) - Jon Diebler scored a career-high 27 points, 19 in the second half, as 24th-ranked Ohio State escaped Iowa, 68-65, at Value City Arena.

Diebler hit 8-of-12 from the floor, including a game-best 7-of-10 from beyond the arc for Ohio State.

William Buford had 16 points for the Buckeyes (10-1, 1-0 Big Ten), who rebounded after a loss to West Virginia on Saturday. Evan Turner added 11 points.

Matt Gatens picked up 22 points for the Hawkeyes (10-4, 0-1), who lost despite draining 14-of-28 three-pointers and have dropped two of three overall. Devan Bawinkel recorded 15 points and Jake Kelly netted 11.

Kelly hit a big three with 3:31 remaining to put Iowa on top, 65-64, but Gatens fouled Turner on the next possession and he sank a pair to put Ohio State back on top by one.

Cyrus Tate turned the ball over on the next touch, and Gatens had to foul again. This time, Turner missed the first free throw but made the second for a 67-65 Buckeyes lead.

After several missed shots down the stretch, Diebler was fouled with 20 seconds to go. He sank one-of-two from the line to seal the game for Ohio State.

The Buckeyes ran off the game's first eight points then stretched their lead to as big as 15 points, 30-15, with 5:46 left on a Dallas Lauderdale jumper. A Gatens three pulled Iowa within 30-26 before a burst ending with Diebler's trey gave OSU a 36-28 edge at the half.

Ohio State led by six early in the second half before the visitors pulled close. Iowa never led by more than three, but looked like they could pull it out, taking a 62-61 lead with 4:07 remaining on a Gatens slam.

Game Notes

Iowa still leads the all-time series 75-69...The Hawkeyes only went to the line seven times in the contest, hitting five shots...The Buckeyes finished 13-of-22 from the line...Each team recorded 23 rebounds...Each school shot 52.3 percent from the floor (23-of-44).