Ohio State Faces Crucial USC Game to Boost NCAA Tournament Hopes
Ohio State finds itself in a challenging situation as it prepares to face USC in a crucial game that could significantly impact its NCAA Tournament hopes. With a disappointing overall record of 15-8, the Buckeyes need to secure victories against their remaining opponents, particularly focusing on Quad 1 and Quad 2 games.
Ohio State’s Tournament Situation
The Buckeyes have struggled to find traction, currently holding a 0-7 record in Quad 1 games. This lack of signature wins has placed them on the edge of the NCAA Tournament bubble, as they look to improve their standing. The upcoming matchup against USC at the Schottenstein Center on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. is deemed a must-win for Ohio State.
Key Statistics
- Overall Record: 15-8
- Home Record: 10-3
- Road Record: 4-4
- NET Ranking: 39th
- Quad 2 Record: 4-1
- Strength of Schedule: 28th
Bracket Projections
According to the Bracket Matrix, Ohio State is currently viewed as the last team in the NCAA Tournament. Of 99 projections, 42 include the Buckeyes while 47 exclude them. ESPN analyst Joe Lunardi has recently elevated OSU from his last team in to his first team out, indicating a precarious position. The upcoming game against USC could be pivotal, given the competitive landscape of bubble teams this season.
Upcoming Schedule Challenges
Ohio State will face a tough road ahead. After the matchup with USC, the Buckeyes will take on several challenging opponents, including:
- No. 15 Virginia (neutral court)
- At No. 10 Michigan State
- No. 13 Purdue (home)
- At Iowa
These games are crucial for Ohio State, which is desperate for at least one Quad 1 win to bolster its tournament resume.
Significance of the Game Against USC
Not only does the game against USC have implications for NCAA Tournament qualifications, but it’s also vital for the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. Ohio State and USC are tied for 10th in the conference standings; a win would push the Buckeyes ahead of the Trojans and potentially solidify their path toward avoiding the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.
Big Ten Tournament Implications
The stakes are raised higher with the Buckeyes being only 1.5 games behind eighth-place Iowa, the final team to earn a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament. Indiana lies just ahead in the standings, making victory against USC even more crucial. The impending challenges necessitate that Ohio State secures every possible win.
As the Buckeyes gear up for this significant matchup, the focus remains on securing a long-awaited victory to enhance their chances of making a return to the NCAA Tournament. This game against USC is more than just a regular-season contest; it represents a critical juncture in Ohio State’s basketball season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Buckeyes fight for their tournament hopes on the court.
