The Ohio State Buckeyes find themselves in familiar territory after a narrow loss to Michigan State, a game that could have bolstered their NCAA Tournament hopes with a second Quad 1 win. Instead, they faltered in the final minutes, leaving them with just four regular-season games to solidify their March Madness aspirations.
To secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, the Buckeyes need to win at least three of their remaining four games. Their schedule includes crucial matchups against Iowa, Purdue, Penn State, and Indiana. The path is clear: a victory over Purdue would allow some leeway with a potential loss to Iowa, but dropping a game to Penn State could be a season-ender unless they sweep the rest.
Should Ohio State stumble in two or more of these contests, their fate will likely hinge on a strong performance in the Big Ten Tournament. Securing two wins there might just tip the scales in their favor for an at-large bid.
Prior to their recent setback, they were teetering on the edge of the tournament bubble, according to ESPN's Joe Lunardi. Each game now carries significant weight, as any further slip-ups could severely damage their postseason chances.
The Buckeyes have a clear mission: navigate these final games with precision and resilience to keep their March dreams alive.