Ohio State's quest for a coveted Quad 1 victory took another hit as the Buckeyes fell 66-60 to Michigan State. Despite staying within reach for much of the second half, Ohio State remains winless in Quad 1 games, now sitting 0-9 in these crucial matchups. This latest setback has pushed them to the wrong side of the NCAA Tournament bubble, according to CBS Sports Bracketology.
With just two weeks left in the regular season, Ohio State is one of four Big Ten teams teetering on the edge. Sharing this precarious position are UCLA, USC, and Indiana, all battling for tournament inclusion.
USC faced a particularly rough weekend, suffering a Quad 3 home loss to Oregon. Even with leading scorer Chad Baker-Mazara returning from injury, the Trojans couldn't maintain a late lead. Previously pegged as a No. 10 seed, USC now has work to do as they prepare for a high-stakes clash with UCLA.
Here's how the bubble is shaping up:
Last Four In
- Santa Clara
- New Mexico
- TCU
- Cal
First Four Out
- VCU
- Ohio State
- USC
- Indiana
Next Four Out
- Seton Hall
- Virginia Tech
- San Diego State
- Arizona State
Ohio State's Injury Woes
The Buckeyes have been plagued by injuries, with guard John Mobley Jr. missing his third consecutive game due to a hand injury. Ohio State has struggled without him, going 1-2 in his absence.
Adding to their woes, Devin Royal missed the game due to illness, and freshman Amare Bynum was not at his best. Brandon Noel remains sidelined with a leg injury since early January.
These health issues will certainly be a factor for the selection committee, but without a Quad 1 win, Ohio State faces an uphill battle. Upcoming games against Iowa and Purdue present both challenges and opportunities.
Indiana's Mixed Bag
Indiana's resume is a puzzle. They've secured wins over Purdue, UCLA, and Wisconsin, all tournament-caliber teams, albeit by narrow margins.
However, their 4-10 record in Quad 1 and Quad 2 games raises concerns. Their metrics are a mixed bag, with results-based metrics in the mid-40s and predictive metrics in the mid-30s.
Recent heavy losses to Illinois and Purdue haven't helped their standing.
UCLA's Thrilling Victory
UCLA continues to be a team full of surprises. Their latest escapade was a nail-biting 95-94 overtime win against Illinois, securing their spot on the safer side of the bubble. Wins over Purdue and Illinois, though narrow, highlight the Bruins' potential when firing on all cylinders.
As the regular season winds down, these teams will need to capitalize on every opportunity to solidify their tournament hopes. The next few games could very well determine their postseason fate.