The Ohio State men's basketball team isn't ready to settle for the NIT just yet. With a commanding 86-69 win over No.
24 Wisconsin at the Schottenstein Center, the Buckeyes have injected new life into their NCAA Tournament hopes. This victory not only boosts their résumé but also demonstrates their ability to compete with the Big Ten's elite when it truly counts.
However, despite this morale-boosting win, the Buckeyes find themselves in a tight spot. According to CBS Sports bracketology projections, Ohio State is among the "First Four Out."
This puts them right on the NCAA Tournament bubble, tantalizingly close to the Big Dance but not quite there yet. Experts like Jerry Palm and ESPN's Joe Lunardi see this win as a stabilizer for their résumé, rather than a guaranteed ticket.
The Buckeyes' current standing as one of the first four teams missing the NCAA Tournament is due to a résumé that's solid but lacks standout victories.
Here's the good news: The metrics are in their favor. Ohio State is sitting comfortably within the top 40 of the NET Rankings, specifically at No.
- This range typically includes tournament teams.
The win over Wisconsin was their most complete performance of the season, highlighted by Bruce Thornton's remarkable contribution. Thornton, who surpassed 2,000 career points, moved into third on Ohio State's all-time scoring list alongside Devin Royal.
This win also marked their first victory over a ranked opponent this season, adding a much-needed "signature" element to their profile.
On the flip side, the "Quad 1" issue remains a thorn in their side. Since Wisconsin is ranked outside the top 30 in the NET Rankings, the victory is classified as a Quad 2 win.
This leaves Ohio State with a 0-8 record in Quad 1 games. Historically, the NCAA Tournament selection committee has been critical of teams lacking Quad 1 wins, making it crucial for the Buckeyes to secure a victory against a top-tier opponent in the coming weeks.
In the broader bubble landscape, Ohio State received some help this week. Losses by fellow bubble contenders like TCU and San Diego State have kept the cut line from slipping further away, allowing the Buckeyes to remain in the hunt.
While the win over Wisconsin was essential, it likely won't be enough on its own to clinch a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Ohio State's postseason destiny will be determined in the final weeks of the regular season.
The Buckeyes' remaining schedule is full of opportunities. Upcoming games against No.
15 Michigan State (away), Iowa (away), and No. 7 Purdue (home) offer multiple chances to secure that elusive Quad 1 victory.
If they can snag at least one win from these matchups, triumph at Penn State, win at home against Indiana, and make a strong showing in the Big Ten Tournament, Ohio State could easily move from "First Four Out" to a spot in the NCAA Tournament field come Selection Sunday.