In an attempt to improve their chances of getting into the NCAA, Ohio State welcomes Northwestern

As the college basketball season heads toward its critical final stretch, Ohio State University is looking to bolster its résumé and improve its chances of making the NCAA Tournament. With the pressure mounting for the Buckeyes to secure a postseason spot, their upcoming home game against Northwestern University holds particular significance. For Ohio State, this game represents not just another opportunity to solidify their position in the Big Ten standings, but a crucial chance to add another quality victory to their tournament hopes.

For years, Ohio State has been a staple in the NCAA Tournament conversation, but the 2025 season has brought challenges. Despite flashes of brilliance, the team has struggled with consistency, falling short in several key games. Now, with the clock ticking and their fate hanging in the balance, the Buckeyes know that a strong finish to the regular season could be the difference between an at-large bid and a potential snub.

In this article, we’ll dive into the context surrounding Ohio State’s current season, the significance of their upcoming matchup with Northwestern, and how this game plays into the broader landscape of NCAA Tournament selection. We’ll also explore what the Buckeyes need to do in order to seal a spot in the Big Dance and why Northwestern represents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Ohio State’s Road to the NCAA Tournament: An Overview

To fully appreciate the importance of Ohio State’s matchup with Northwestern, it’s essential to look at the broader context of the Buckeyes’ season. Heading into the final stretch, Ohio State has shown flashes of potential but has been plagued by inconsistency. With a mix of seasoned upperclassmen and talented underclassmen, the Buckeyes have been a work in progress, struggling to put together a complete game.

The team’s record, while not disastrous, leaves much to be desired. As of late February, Ohio State is hovering just around the .500 mark in the Big Ten Conference, a league that is notoriously tough and competitive. A team that has historically been a fixture in the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State finds itself at a crossroads: to continue its streak of NCAA appearances, they need to perform well in their final regular-season games and perhaps in the Big Ten Tournament.

A quick glance at their season shows some key wins but also several frustrating losses. Losses to lower-tier teams or games where they simply couldn’t capitalize on key moments have put them on the NCAA Tournament bubble. That’s why this upcoming game against Northwestern is so critical. As the Buckeyes know, wins against quality opponents in February and March have a significant impact on NCAA Tournament selection, and Northwestern, although not one of the perennial powerhouses in the Big Ten, offers a prime opportunity.

The Importance of the Northwestern Game

Northwestern, typically not considered one of the heavyweights in the Big Ten, has had a surprising and strong season in 2025. Under head coach Chris Collins, the Wildcats have made significant strides, earning a spot in the Top 25 rankings for much of the season. With standout players and a cohesive team strategy, Northwestern has proven to be a tough opponent for many teams in the conference. Their rise in the standings has elevated the significance of this game for Ohio State.

On one hand, Ohio State’s task is clear: they need to secure a win against a quality opponent in order to boost their chances of making the tournament. A win over a ranked Northwestern would not only help their case for an at-large bid but would also be a confidence booster heading into the final stretch of the season.

The importance of this game cannot be overstated. When it comes to NCAA Tournament selection, the Selection Committee looks at a variety of factors—overall record, conference standing, strength of schedule, and the quality of wins. Northwestern represents a top-tier opponent with a strong résumé. Beating them at home could go a long way in solidifying Ohio State’s place in the tournament.

What Ohio State Needs to Do to Make the NCAA Tournament

As Ohio State prepares to host Northwestern, there are several key areas the Buckeyes must address in order to improve their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.

1. Consistency on Offense

One of the major struggles for Ohio State this season has been offensive inconsistency. At times, the Buckeyes have looked potent, with Zed Key, Brice Sensabaugh, and Roddy Gayle Jr. showing flashes of brilliance. However, the team has often struggled to maintain offensive flow, especially in crucial moments of games. This has been evident in losses to teams they should have beaten, where their offense faltered late in games.

Against a team like Northwestern, Ohio State can’t afford to have stretches of poor shooting or turnovers. The Wildcats are well-coached, and any lapses in execution will be exploited. Ohio State will need to ensure that they are running efficient sets, getting good shots, and making the most of their opportunities. This means solid play from their guards and creating easy baskets in transition.

The Buckeyes also need to be more aggressive in driving to the basket. While Sensabaugh has been impressive from the perimeter, Ohio State will need to create open looks near the rim to keep Northwestern’s defense on its heels. If they can get to the free-throw line and convert in the paint, it will open up opportunities for their shooters.

2. Defensive Discipline

As important as offense is, defense will be just as crucial in Ohio State’s matchup against Northwestern. While the Wildcats are known for their balanced offensive attack, they can be stifled by a disciplined defense. Ohio State has shown that they can be a strong defensive team when they are engaged, but lapses in effort and focus have led to some costly breakdowns this season.

Northwestern’s offense runs through several key players, most notably Boo Buie, who has been outstanding as a guard this season. Ohio State will need to limit his scoring opportunities and keep him from taking over the game. At the same time, they must avoid letting Northwestern’s big men establish post position and dominate inside. The Buckeyes’ frontcourt, led by Key, needs to remain strong on the glass and ensure that they limit second-chance opportunities for the Wildcats.

Additionally, Ohio State has struggled with team defense in certain games, often allowing easy looks or letting opposing players get into a rhythm. Against a team like Northwestern, which thrives on making smart basketball decisions, Ohio State cannot afford to get caught ball-watching or overcommitting on defense.

3. Capitalize on Home-Court Advantage

Another factor that can work in Ohio State’s favor is the home-court advantage. Playing at Value City Arena gives the Buckeyes a unique edge. The energy of their fans can help the team build momentum and stay engaged throughout the game. Ohio State has historically been strong at home, and they will need to feed off that crowd energy to stay focused.

Ohio State’s defense needs to be especially loud and disruptive, making it difficult for Northwestern’s players to settle into a rhythm. The team also needs to use the home environment to create easy fast-break opportunities and get the crowd involved with highlight-reel plays.

4. Bench Play and Depth

Depth will be another key factor for Ohio State in this game. One of the advantages the Buckeyes have is their ability to rotate in fresh legs throughout the game. With key players like Key and Sensabaugh often drawing the focus of opposing defenses, Ohio State needs consistent contributions from their bench. Whether it’s from Fletcher Loyer or Tanner Holden, the Buckeyes need to get scoring from unexpected places to avoid putting too much pressure on their stars.

While Ohio State has had depth issues in certain games this season, the team will need to prove that they can rely on their bench to provide solid minutes, especially in a tight game against a talented opponent like Northwestern.

The Big Picture: NCAA Tournament Implications

Looking ahead, the stakes of this game go beyond just the Big Ten standings. Ohio State is fighting for an NCAA Tournament berth, and a win over a ranked team like Northwestern would give them a significant boost in their tournament hopes. The Buckeyes are squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble, and the Selection Committee will be closely scrutinizing their performance in the final weeks of the regular season.

A win against Northwestern could help Ohio State secure an at-large bid, especially if they follow it up with a strong showing in the Big Ten Tournament. On the flip side, a loss would likely leave them on the outside looking in, with few opportunities to bolster their résumé. With a difficult conference schedule and a series of important games ahead, the Buckeyes cannot afford to lose to a team like Northwestern if they hope to make the tournament.

Conclusion: A Crucial Test for Ohio State

Ohio State’s upcoming game against Northwestern is more than just a midseason matchup—it’s a pivotal contest with NCAA Tournament implications. For the Buckeyes, this game represents an opportunity to solidify their tournament résumé and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. With a combination of offensive improvement, defensive discipline, and strong bench play, Ohio State has the potential to knock off the Wildcats and continue their pursuit of a March Madness bid.

As the season winds down, the Buckeyes know that the stakes have never been higher. They’ll need to play their best basketball to ensure that they remain in the conversation for an NCAA Tournament spot. A victory over Northwestern would be a major step toward achieving that goal.