Don’t you have enough fun already, Ohio State?
No, there was no win over Michigan in football or basketball; there may be another opportunity, but whatever. You won the College Football Playoff National Championship, have arguably the best team to begin the 2025 football season, and you want more?
Ohio State’s basketball season has been a true grind. There has been no momentum, few big runs, and few moments when it appeared that this team could be anything other than completely average.
Why Ohio State should make the NCAA Tournament?
Everyone loves the Quad system in the NET rankings, but the six Quad 1 wins are impressive. That is more than Duke, Texas Tech, Iowa State, and Wisconsin have combined.
St. John’s can now boast twice as many. The six are more than Marquette, Kansas, Clemson, and Ole Miss, and all four of those teams are almost certain to make it.
Recent victories over Maryland and Purdue have made a significant impact.
Why Ohio State shouldn’t make the NCAA Tournament?
Northwestern 70, Ohio State 49. You don’t do that on February 20th, and you deserve to be considered for the positive bubble.
Of course, the majority of the 13 losses were more than acceptable, but the Buckeyes were down 20 when they stepped off the bus in their first meeting with Maryland, were annihilated by Auburn, and suffered too many tough losses in 50/50 games, such as against Indiana and Pitt in Columbus.
Will Ohio State make the NCAA Tournament?
Yes, if the Buckeyes win against Indiana on Saturday. Do that, and don’t get bounced in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, and everything should be fine.
If Ohio State loses to Indiana, the Big Ten Championship game should be played Saturday night in Indianapolis, if not Sunday.
Here’s a positive. Aside from winning the Big Ten, Ohio State can make its way in. Go on a three-game winning streak and get to 20 wins; that should suffice.