As Northwestern approaches, the Ohio State Buckeyes are enjoying life on the NCAA Tournament bubble.
As Northwestern Approaches, the Ohio State Buckeyes Are Enjoying Life on the NCAA Tournament Bubble
The Ohio State Buckeyes, a program that has historically been a powerhouse in college basketball, find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they approach the final stretch of the regular season. As they gear up for a pivotal matchup against Northwestern, the Buckeyes are on the NCAA Tournament bubble—an uncertain position for a team that has been a perennial contender for years. Ohio State’s performance this season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and now, with the tournament just around the corner, they must prove they belong in the big dance.
This season, Ohio State has faced a number of challenges, including injuries, inconsistent play, and a difficult schedule in the competitive Big Ten conference. However, the team has shown flashes of brilliance, with standout performances and gritty wins that have kept them in the conversation for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. As they face Northwestern, a team that has been equally unpredictable this season, the outcome could be crucial in determining whether Ohio State will get a shot at March Madness or be relegated to the NIT.
In this article, we’ll explore the Ohio State Buckeyes’ journey to this point, the challenges they have faced, and how their performance in the upcoming games—particularly against Northwestern—will shape their postseason fate. We’ll also take a deeper look at the NCAA Tournament bubble and what it takes for a team to secure a spot in the tournament.
Ohio State’s Season to Date: A Tale of Inconsistency
Entering the 2024-2025 season, expectations for the Ohio State Buckeyes were high. The program had returned several key players, including dynamic scorer Brice Sensabaugh and experienced guard Jamari Wheeler. The addition of several promising recruits also raised hopes that this team would once again challenge for a top spot in the Big Ten, a conference known for its physical play and deep talent pool.
However, the season did not go as smoothly as expected. Early on, the Buckeyes struggled to find their rhythm. Losses to mid-tier opponents, coupled with poor performances in non-conference games, left the team with a less-than-ideal record entering Big Ten play. Ohio State’s defense, which had been a strength in previous seasons, showed cracks, particularly in their inability to slow down high-scoring teams in the conference.
One of the biggest hurdles Ohio State faced was injuries. Key players like guard Isaac Likekele and forward Zed Key missed extended periods of time, forcing Coach Chris Holtmann to shuffle his lineup and rely on younger, less experienced players to step up. These injuries disrupted the team’s chemistry and cohesion, making it difficult for the Buckeyes to consistently put together complete performances.
Despite these setbacks, Ohio State showed flashes of what they could be. They pulled off big wins against top-tier teams like Michigan State and Indiana, showcasing their potential when everything clicked. Sensabaugh emerged as one of the most dynamic players in the conference, capable of taking over games with his scoring ability. His growth as a leader and primary option on offense has been one of the few bright spots for the Buckeyes this season.
The NCAA Tournament Bubble: A Delicate Position
As March approaches, Ohio State finds itself squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble. The NCAA Tournament selection committee uses a variety of criteria to determine which teams will receive at-large bids, including a team’s record, strength of schedule, conference performance, and key victories. While Ohio State has had some notable wins, their inconsistency and overall record have left them in a precarious position.
Being on the bubble means that Ohio State is not guaranteed a spot in the tournament, and they will likely need to finish strong in the final games of the season to secure their place in March Madness. A key aspect of their bubble status is the importance of quality wins. The Buckeyes’ victories over ranked teams like Michigan State and Indiana are significant, but they need to build on that with more wins against tough opponents in the final stretch of the season.
In addition to their on-court performance, Ohio State’s strength of schedule will play a crucial role in their chances of making the tournament. The Big Ten is one of the toughest conferences in the country, and despite their ups and downs, Ohio State’s competition has been fierce. Wins over teams like Michigan and Wisconsin—combined with a solid showing in the Big Ten Tournament—could be enough to push the Buckeyes over the top and secure a spot in the tournament.
But the team is not just looking at their wins and losses. The selection committee also looks at a team’s performance in “quadrant” games—games played against teams in the top 50 of the NCAA’s RPI, and in the case of a win, how that win is perceived in terms of strength. The more quality games the Buckeyes can play and win, the better their chances to get into the tournament.
Northwestern: A Crucial Opponent for the Buckeyes
As the Buckeyes prepare for their game against Northwestern, the matchup takes on a heightened level of importance. Northwestern, while not a perennial powerhouse in college basketball, has been a tough opponent this season. The Wildcats have their own aspirations of making the NCAA Tournament, and they will come into this game hungry for a victory that could bolster their resume. For Ohio State, this game is crucial—it could serve as a defining moment for their tournament hopes.
Northwestern’s strong defense and gritty play have been a hallmark of their success this season. They may not have the same high-profile players as Ohio State, but they are a well-coached team that plays hard and competes at a high level. Northwestern’s ability to frustrate opponents on defense will test Ohio State’s offensive execution, particularly their ability to manage turnovers and take smart shots. If Ohio State can break through Northwestern’s defense and secure a win, it would provide a boost to their tournament chances.
From a scouting perspective, Northwestern’s backcourt and perimeter shooting will be key areas for Ohio State to focus on. If the Buckeyes can limit Northwestern’s three-point shooting and force them into difficult shot-making situations, they will be in a much stronger position to win the game. On the offensive end, Ohio State will need to rely on Sensabaugh and their other key players to create offense and get to the free-throw line.
For Northwestern, this game is equally important. With a chance to strengthen their own position on the bubble, the Wildcats will be looking to capitalize on Ohio State’s inconsistency and prove that they deserve a spot in the tournament. Northwestern’s tenacious defense and ability to execute in high-pressure situations will make this a challenging game for the Buckeyes.
What Ohio State Needs to Do to Secure a Tournament Spot
As Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament fate hangs in the balance, several factors will determine whether or not they can secure a spot in the field of 68. The Buckeyes have the talent to compete with the best teams in the country, but they must play more consistently down the stretch of the season.
- Finish Strong in the Big Ten: Ohio State has a number of important games remaining in the Big Ten schedule, and they must make the most of these opportunities. A strong finish, including wins over ranked opponents, will go a long way in bolstering their tournament resume.
- Take Care of the Ball: Turnovers have been a significant issue for the Buckeyes this season. In order to compete at a high level, they must minimize mistakes and play more efficiently on offense. Protecting the basketball will be especially important against tough defensive teams like Northwestern.
- Play Through Sensabaugh: Brice Sensabaugh has emerged as Ohio State’s best player this season, and he will need to continue his stellar play if the Buckeyes hope to make a run. Sensabaugh must stay aggressive on offense, create opportunities for others, and remain a consistent scoring threat.
- Win the Big Ten Tournament: While not always a necessity, winning the Big Ten Tournament would give Ohio State an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. If the Buckeyes can make a deep run in this prestigious tournament, it would solidify their place in the field and eliminate any uncertainty surrounding their tournament hopes.
- Strengthen Their Resume: In addition to their regular-season performance, Ohio State needs to continue building a strong resume with quality wins. They can’t afford to have any more bad losses if they want to stay on the right side of the bubble. A win against Northwestern would be a great start.
