The Ohio State Buckeyes are fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament, with their chances hinging on strong performances in upcoming games and key matchups.

As the college basketball season enters its final stretch, fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes find themselves on the edge of their seats, wondering if their beloved team will secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. After a season filled with highs and lows, the Buckeyes are facing an uphill battle to earn one of the coveted at-large bids to the Big Dance. With several key matchups remaining on their schedule, the outcome of these games will largely determine whether Ohio State will make it to the tournament or fall short of expectations.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the Ohio State Buckeyes’ journey throughout the season, examine the factors that will influence their tournament chances, and analyze their chances of qualifying for the 2023 NCAA Tournament. From roster changes and key players to remaining opponents and the intricacies of the selection process, we’ll break down the critical aspects of the Buckeyes’ push for March Madness.

Ohio State’s 2023 Season: The Ups and Downs

The Ohio State Buckeyes entered the 2022-2023 basketball season with high expectations. After a solid 2021-2022 campaign, the team was poised to build on its success and make a deeper run in both the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. Under the guidance of head coach Chris Holtmann, the Buckeyes returned a mix of seasoned veterans and highly-touted newcomers. On paper, Ohio State appeared to be a strong contender for an NCAA Tournament berth.

However, the season has not gone as smoothly as hoped. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Buckeyes have been inconsistent, struggling with injuries, finding offensive rhythm, and occasionally losing to teams they should have beaten. The team’s ability to bounce back from adversity has been tested repeatedly, but Ohio State’s resolve remains intact as they approach the final stretch of the regular season.

Key Wins

Even though Ohio State has had some setbacks, the team has shown they can compete with some of the best in the nation. The Buckeyes scored key victories early in the season, which gave them a strong resume in the eyes of the selection committee. Wins against teams like the Michigan Wolverines, Northwestern, and a dramatic win over a ranked team added some much-needed quality victories to their schedule.

In particular, their victory against Michigan was a morale-boosting win, as it came at a critical juncture in the season. Michigan had been playing well and was expected to be a tournament team. Beating a team of that caliber not only gave Ohio State a valuable win but also proved that they could rise to the occasion when needed. A win like that can help build confidence for both the players and coaches heading into the most important stretch of the season.

The Downside: Inconsistent Play

Unfortunately for Ohio State, inconsistencies have been a major theme throughout the season. While the team has been capable of pulling off impressive wins, they’ve also suffered from a series of disappointing losses. Against lower-ranked Big Ten teams like Nebraska and Iowa, the Buckeyes faltered at critical moments, failing to close out games when it mattered most.

Ohio State has struggled to find consistent shooting, with several key players experiencing extended shooting slumps. Additionally, the team has had difficulty with turnovers, often giving away possession at inopportune times. This lack of consistency has led to a few frustrating losses that have hurt their chances of locking down an automatic bid to the tournament or securing a more comfortable at-large spot.

Key Players and Contributors

As Ohio State battles to secure a place in the NCAA Tournament, much of their success or failure will be determined by the play of their key contributors. Here’s a look at some of the players who have had the greatest impact on the team’s chances this season:

Zed Key: The Defensive Anchor

Zed Key has been one of Ohio State’s most reliable players this season. A force on the defensive end, Key has been a rebounding machine and a shot-blocking presence in the paint. His ability to protect the rim and guard opposing bigs has given the Buckeyes a sense of security on defense. But it’s not just his defense that has kept Ohio State competitive — Key has also been able to contribute offensively, scoring double figures on several occasions.

However, Key’s impact can’t be overstated when it comes to Ohio State’s success. As the team’s defensive anchor, his ability to stay out of foul trouble and dominate in the post could be the difference-maker in key matchups. If Key can continue to provide consistent play, particularly on the defensive end, Ohio State’s chances of qualifying for the NCAA Tournament will improve significantly.

Brice Sensabaugh: A Rising Star

Brice Sensabaugh, a freshman, has emerged as one of the team’s most dynamic scorers. He has quickly become Ohio State’s go-to offensive weapon, capable of scoring in a variety of ways. Whether it’s knocking down three-pointers, finishing strong at the rim, or getting to the free-throw line, Sensabaugh has proven to be a reliable scoring option. His offensive versatility has allowed him to put up impressive numbers throughout the season, and his presence on the floor provides Ohio State with a consistent scoring threat.

While Sensabaugh has shown flashes of brilliance, he’s also had moments of inconsistency, particularly in games against more physical defenses. If he can step up and become a more complete player, contributing not only as a scorer but also as a defender and facilitator, his growth could be the key to unlocking Ohio State’s full potential.

Sean McNeil: The Veteran Presence

Transfer Sean McNeil has provided a steady veteran presence for Ohio State this season. The former West Virginia player has brought much-needed experience and leadership to the squad. McNeil has been particularly valuable as a shooter, often stepping up as the team’s primary perimeter scorer. His ability to stretch defenses and knock down three-pointers has been vital in games where Ohio State has struggled to generate offense.

However, McNeil’s role goes beyond just shooting. His experience in high-pressure situations has allowed him to keep the team focused when things aren’t going well. As Ohio State nears the end of the regular season, McNeil’s leadership could be crucial in helping the team remain composed and execute under pressure.

The Road Ahead: Key Matchups

As the Buckeyes close out their regular season, they still have several important games on the horizon. These contests will likely determine whether Ohio State earns a spot in the NCAA Tournament or is left on the bubble. A strong finish will not only enhance their resume but could also provide momentum heading into the postseason.

Games Against Ranked Opponents

One of the most important factors in securing an NCAA Tournament bid is quality wins. Ohio State still has several opportunities to add marquee victories to their resume. A game against a ranked opponent, such as Michigan State or Purdue, would offer a golden opportunity to pick up a high-profile win that could push Ohio State over the edge in the eyes of the selection committee.

Defeating a top-10 team like Purdue would be particularly important for the Buckeyes, as it would demonstrate their ability to compete with the best in the country. A victory over a team like Purdue could not only help Ohio State’s seeding in the Big Ten Tournament but also strengthen their case for inclusion in the NCAA Tournament.

Intra-Conference Rivalries

Rivalries in college basketball carry extra weight, and games against Big Ten foes like Michigan and Indiana will have significant ramifications for Ohio State. Beating these teams — especially Michigan, with its recent success and pedigree — could help the Buckeyes secure an NCAA Tournament berth.

Ohio State’s remaining regular-season games against Big Ten teams will also be important for another reason: they help bolster the Buckeyes’ overall strength of schedule. Even if Ohio State loses a few of these matchups, the selection committee will take into account the fact that they’ve played some of the best teams in the country.

The Selection Process: What Do the Buckeyes Need?

The NCAA Tournament selection process is intricate, and teams that are on the bubble, like Ohio State, must consider several factors as they vie for a spot. The selection committee evaluates teams based on a combination of factors, including:

• Strength of Schedule: Ohio State’s tough Big Ten schedule works in their favor, as they’ve faced some of the best teams in the country. However, the Buckeyes will need to finish strong in these remaining games to prove they can compete at a high level.
• Quad 1 Wins: Wins against top-25 opponents (or close to it) are a critical part of the selection committee’s decision-making process. Ohio State will need to secure at least a few Quad 1 wins to solidify their case.
• Net Ranking: The NCAA’s NET ranking system combines a team’s performance against opponents, strength of schedule, and other metrics to determine overall ranking. Ohio State’s NET ranking will be a key factor in whether they get an at-large bid.
• Conference Tournament Performance: The Buckeyes’ performance in the Big Ten Tournament will also play a pivotal role in their tournament chances. A deep run could improve their standing, while a first-round exit could spell the end of their tournament hopes.

 Can Ohio State Qualify for the NCAA Tournament?

As the season enters its final weeks, the Ohio State Buckeyes’ NCAA Tournament fate remains uncertain. With key matchups against ranked opponents and intra-conference rivals, the Buckeyes have a chance to bolster their tournament resume and secure a spot in March Madness. If they can capitalize on these opportunities and get consistent contributions from players like Zed Key, Brice Sensabaugh, and Sean McNeil, Ohio State’s chances will improve significantly.

Ultimately, the Buckeyes’ destiny is in their hands. If they can put together a strong finish to the regular season and make a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament, there’s no reason they can’t punch their ticket to the

NCAA Tournament. Whether they qualify as an at-large team or by securing an automatic bid, one thing is certain: Ohio State’s fight for March Madness is far from over. #GoBuck