After losing to Michigan, a former Ohio State basketball star explains what might be an unhappy truth for March.

When Ohio State basketball fans saw their team lose to Michigan in a high-stakes game that had major implications for both teams’ postseason hopes, it wasn’t just the loss itself that stung—it was the timing. Ohio State, a program with championship aspirations, found itself on the wrong side of a bitter rivalry matchup, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what might be in store for March. While the Buckeyes still have a shot at making the NCAA Tournament, the outcome of this game highlighted some concerns that could hinder Ohio State’s chances in the postseason.

One person who understands the weight of this loss, and the challenges the team will face as March Madness looms, is a former Ohio State basketball star. As a player who experienced the highs and lows of Big Ten competition, this former Buckeye has seen it all: the intense rivalry matchups, the heartbreaks, and the thrilling runs to the tournament. Now, as a commentator and analyst, they offer a sobering take on Ohio State’s current state and what needs to change if the team hopes to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

The Michigan Loss: A Closer Look

The loss to Michigan was a painful one, and not just because it came at the hands of the Buckeyes’ most heated rival. Ohio State entered the game with hopes of solidifying their spot in the NCAA Tournament and maintaining their momentum heading into the stretch run of the season. Instead, they were outpaced and outmuscled by a Michigan team that had been struggling but found its groove when it mattered most.

For Ohio State, the game was full of missed opportunities. Defensively, the Buckeyes allowed Michigan to score too efficiently, particularly in the paint. Michigan’s ability to get to the rim and draw fouls exposed weaknesses in Ohio State’s defensive schemes, and the Buckeyes were unable to match the Wolverines’ intensity. Offensively, Ohio State had difficulty executing in key moments, with a few too many turnovers and missed shots in crunch time. The loss left fans frustrated, but it also raised legitimate questions about how the team will fare in March.

For a program with such rich history and expectations, losing to a Michigan team that had been on a slide before this game feels like a red flag. The defeat didn’t just put Ohio State’s tournament aspirations in jeopardy—it highlighted deeper issues that could spell trouble come March.

The Reality Check: What Does This Mean for March?

After the loss to Michigan, the former Ohio State star took to social media to offer a candid reflection on what the game revealed about the current state of the team. The commentary was not sugar-coated, nor was it intended to be a condemnation of the players or coaching staff. Rather, it was a reality check about the challenges that Ohio State must face in order to make a deep run in March.

The first point the former player made was about Ohio State’s lack of consistency, both offensively and defensively. “In the tournament, the best teams are the ones that can play their brand of basketball no matter the opponent,” the former Buckeye said. “Right now, Ohio State has shown flashes of brilliance, but they haven’t been able to sustain that excellence over the course of an entire game or stretch of games. That’s a major concern heading into March.”

The former star went on to explain that NCAA Tournament games are often won by teams that can handle adversity and keep their composure when things aren’t going their way. For Ohio State, that composure seemed to be lacking at times during the Michigan loss. When the Wolverines went on a run, Ohio State struggled to find an answer, and the team’s lack of a true go-to player in crunch time became apparent.

“March is a game of runs,” the former player said. “You’re going to face teams that will make a run at you, and it’s how you respond to that adversity that makes or breaks your tournament run. Right now, Ohio State doesn’t have the consistent leadership or offensive firepower to withstand those moments and come out on top.”

The Issue of Leadership and Offensive Consistency

One of the key issues highlighted by the former player was Ohio State’s lack of clear leadership. While the Buckeyes have several talented players on the roster, there hasn’t been one player who has consistently stepped up to take over games in clutch situations. In big games, the ability to lean on a star player who can make plays when it matters most is essential, and Ohio State hasn’t yet found that consistent force.

This issue became glaringly obvious in the Michigan game. While Ohio State had some solid individual performances, none of the players were able to impose their will on the game when the team needed it most. The former player pointed out that Ohio State’s lack of a primary scoring option was an issue: “You look at other teams that make deep runs in March, and they always have a player who can take over late in games. Ohio State doesn’t have that right now.”

The lack of leadership is compounded by inconsistency on offense. Ohio State has shown flashes of being an explosive team with strong ball movement and outside shooting. However, in games where things aren’t clicking, the Buckeyes have been unable to get into an offensive rhythm. This is where the former player sees a real concern heading into March. “When you’re facing a top-tier team in the tournament, you can’t afford to have those dry spells where you go minutes without scoring. You need players who can create offense when the shot clock is winding down, and Ohio State just doesn’t have that go-to guy right now.”

This inconsistency was on full display in the Michigan game, where Ohio State struggled to create offense during key stretches of the game. The Buckeyes were held to just 12 points in the final 10 minutes, which ultimately sealed their fate. As the former player said, “In March, that’s a death sentence. You can’t go cold at the wrong time, and Ohio State did that against Michigan.”

Defensive Vulnerabilities: A Deeper Issue

While Ohio State has been solid defensively for much of the season, their loss to Michigan exposed some vulnerabilities in that area as well. Michigan was able to get into the paint with ease, often drawing fouls and converting easy baskets at the rim. Ohio State’s interior defense, particularly their ability to contest shots and protect the rim, was inconsistent, and the Buckeyes’ defensive rotations seemed to break down at key moments.

The former Ohio State player explained that this defensive issue could be problematic in the NCAA Tournament. “When you face teams with multiple scoring threats, you can’t afford to give up easy baskets in the paint. March is all about defending without fouling, staying disciplined, and contesting shots. Ohio State needs to get better in those areas if they want to make a deep run.”

The loss to Michigan exposed that Ohio State might struggle to contain some of the more dynamic offenses they could face in the tournament. Teams that can attack the basket and create mismatches on the perimeter may be able to exploit Ohio State’s defensive lapses, especially if the Buckeyes don’t shore up their defensive communication and transition defense.

The Bottom Line: What Needs to Change for Ohio State?

As Ohio State heads into the final stretch of the season, the former player emphasized that there is still time for the Buckeyes to turn things around, but they need to address some key areas if they want to make a meaningful impact in March.

First, the team needs to find a consistent go-to player, someone who can create offense when needed and lead the team during crucial moments of the game. Whether it’s a star guard or a dominant big man, Ohio State needs someone who can take control when the game is on the line.

Second, the Buckeyes must improve their offensive consistency. They cannot afford to go cold in crucial moments, and they need to improve their decision-making in high-pressure situations. Developing more fluid offensive sets and better ball movement will be critical in tournament play.

Finally, Ohio State must shore up its defense, particularly in the paint. If they can become more disciplined on defense and improve their ability to protect the rim, they will be much better equipped to handle the challenges posed by tournament opponents.