Buckeyes Make a Statement with Win Over No. 24 Wisconsin
The Ohio State Buckeyes secured a crucial victory against a ranked opponent, taking down the No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers.
From the get-go, Jake Diebler’s squad set the pace, establishing a double-digit lead within the first six minutes. By halftime, they led by 12 and continued their dominance with a 48-point second half, sealing an 86-69 triumph on their home court.
Defense Takes Center Stage
Ohio State's defense was the star of the night, holding Wisconsin to under 70 points-a rare feat against the Badgers in their last 15 outings. The Buckeyes effectively contained the Big Ten’s top scorers, John Blackwell and Nick Boyd, limiting them to a combined 28 points on 42% shooting.
Thornton Leads the Charge
Bruce Thornton was the driving force for Ohio State, pouring in 27 points. In the absence of John Mobley Jr., Devin Royal stepped up, rebounding impressively from a tough game against Virginia. Royal contributed 25 points, including four key three-pointers.
Implications for the Tournament
This win is a significant boost for Ohio State's NCAA Tournament aspirations. Previously on the wrong side of the bubble, the Buckeyes now have their most impactful win of the season.
However, in the current NET rankings, this victory doesn’t count as a Quad 1 win, which Ohio State desperately needs to solidify its tournament resume. Wisconsin sits at No. 35 in the NET, just outside the top 30 required for a Quad 1 home win.
Ohio State now holds a 6-1 record in Quad 2 games but remains winless in Quad 1 matchups.
Despite this, the win is impressive. Wisconsin has been one of the hottest teams, boasting significant road victories at Michigan and Illinois, and recently dominating Michigan State.
While not a Quad 1 win yet, this could change by Selection Sunday if Wisconsin climbs into the top 30. Regardless, Buckeyes fans have plenty to celebrate.
The Road Ahead
Heading into the week, Ohio State was in the "First Four Out" category according to Busting Brackets’ latest Bracketology. With TCU and Virginia Tech, both losing on Tuesday, there’s likely been a shake-up on the bubble.
Ohio State still has three more opportunities to secure a Quad 1 win with upcoming road games at Michigan State and Iowa, and a home clash against Purdue. The regular-season finale against Indiana could also be pivotal, possibly a win-and-in scenario for the Buckeyes. Avoiding a misstep on the road at Penn State in early March is equally crucial.
With the pressure mounting on head coach Jake Diebler and the chaos of life on the bubble, Tuesday night’s victory was vital for the Buckeyes. Yet, the journey is far from over.