In less than two weeks following the end of Ohio State’s Chris Holtmann tenure, the squad has revived their 2023–24 campaign.
After their team beat No. 2 Purdue 73-69, the bright light of hope dazzled the Buckeye faithful. It later dimmed to a pale glimmer after a decisive loss to Minnesota set a new program worst with a 17-game road loss.
However, a buzzer-beater at Michigan State that ended that streak has, like music legend Billy Joel, turned the lights back on once more.
A few weeks ago, it seemed unthinkable, but Ohio State is actually in the running to make the NCAA Tournament.
The Buckeyes are currently not included in any of the 100 brackets compiled by Bracketmatrix.com, Joe Lunardi of ESPN, or Jerry Palm of CBSSports. However, with their victories over the Spartans and Boilermakers, they now have three Quadrant 1 victories, and a clear route to get them in the hunt has opened.
Starting this Thursday, it is important to defeat Nebraska at home in Quadrant 2. The Huskers defeated the Buckeyes 83-69 in Lincoln earlier this year, and they currently have a 20-8 season record. This season, Nebraska has played as two distinct teams at home and away from Pinnacle Bank Arena, with a record of just 2-7 in challenging settings. That is undoubtedly the hardest obstacle for Ohio State to overcome in order to finish the regular season with a four-game winning streak and reach 19 wins before the Big Ten Tournament.
Michigan, which is 8-20 overall and bottom in the Big Ten, will visit Value City Arena on Sunday. March 10 is Buckeye campaign closing game, with Rutgers tied for 11th in the league and 14-13 overall. There will be another opportunity to win in Q2.
Ohio State might reach 20 victories or more with a win or two in the conference tournament. In that neutral setting, they could also add more points to their CV in the first and second quarters.
The Buckeyes’ chances of making it to the Big Dance would be strong if they can accomplish that goal, which is much easier said than done. However, they would be up against a few other bubble teams.
As to Palm, Ole Miss is one of the final four teams in, while according to Lunardi and the Bracket Matrix, it is among the first four out. At 66th place versus 75th, Ohio State already has a higher NET ranking than the Rebels. Both teams have the same Q1 record (3-6) and have only won one Q2 game; Mississippi’s record in Q2 games is 1-2.
Ole Miss currently has a 19-8 overall record, which gives them an advantage. With a winning streak in the latter part of the season, the Buckeyes can catch up to all bubble teams, not just the Rebels.
Along with Palm’s final four in and Lunardi’s first four out, that would further strengthen the Buckeyes’ argument against a club like Utah. This season, the Utes are 16-11, rated 54th in the NET, with a 3-7 first-quarter record and a 5-3 second-quarter record.
Another advantage for Ohio State is their robust schedule. Only a few bubble teams are comparable at 48th. Utah ranks 73rd, and Ole Miss is 66th. Drake is 155th, and according to Lunardi and the matrix, one of the next four teams out.
Even with a fantastic late-season surge, other points might be difficult to establish. With a 5-5 first-quarter record, a 3-2 second-quarter record, and an overall record of 18-9, Seton Hall is one of the final four teams in for Lunardi and the Brack Matrix aggregation. Still, barring a late-season collapse, the Pirates appear to have the upper hand over the Buckeyes. They are currently 53rd in schedule strength and 61st in NET ranking.
Additionally, Ohio State hopes to steer clear of any unexpected runs at conference titles by underdogs or teams not even considered for the tournament. As a 22-6 WCC team that is currently in the bubble, Gonzaga is a team to keep an eye on. Saint Mary’s, presently ranked as the sixth seed in the matrix, has all but locked up a bid from the top spot in the same conference.
But that’s a problem to deal with later. In addition, the Buckeyes might surprise everyone by winning the Big Ten and making this whole debate unnecessary by qualifying automatically. However, winning their final three regular-season games is essential if they want to have any chance of receiving an at-large invite.
However, that is all there is to it. For the Ohio State team this year, there is optimism once more.
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