As the Big Ten Tournament postseason gets underway, Ohio State hopes to have a few more possessions.

As the Big Ten Tournament postseason begins, Ohio State men’s basketball enters the fray with more than just a championship on its mind—its success will largely hinge on a few key factors, the most critical of which is how many possessions they can gain throughout their games. Ohio State, a team with a rich history and plenty of talent, has had a challenging season, but this postseason represents a fresh start, an opportunity to go on a run and reassert their place in the Big Ten and beyond.

In this article, we will delve into the importance of possession control in college basketball, especially for Ohio State, and how this will shape their performance in the Big Ten Tournament. The team’s hopes of postseason success are tied to their ability to dictate tempo, manage the clock, and get more opportunities to score. By breaking down key matchups, tactics, and the dynamics of Ohio State’s roster, we’ll take a deep dive into what they must do to maximize their chances of advancing through the tournament and securing a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

The Importance of Possessions in College Basketball

In basketball, a possession is defined as one team’s opportunity to attempt to score. Teams are constantly battling for control of these possessions, as the more possessions a team has, the more opportunities they have to score. Possessions directly correlate to a team’s ability to dictate the tempo of a game, and thus, winning the possession battle can be an enormous advantage.

This concept is especially important in the postseason, where every possession matters even more than in the regular season. Teams often face off against opponents with similar skill levels, and the team that controls the game’s pace typically holds a significant advantage. For Ohio State, gaining a few extra possessions in a tightly contested game could be the difference between advancing to the next round of the tournament or being sent home early.

Ohio State’s Season in Review: What Needs to Change?

Before looking at how Ohio State can leverage possession control in the tournament, it’s important to assess their performance during the regular season. The Buckeyes entered the 2025 campaign with high expectations, but their performance has been inconsistent. Their offense has been stifled at times, and their defense has failed to consistently shut down opposing teams, leading to some frustrating losses. Nonetheless, Ohio State has shown flashes of brilliance, and they remain a dangerous team in the Big Ten.

While there have been struggles, Ohio State has some key players capable of leading the team on a deep tournament run. However, for them to capitalize on their talent and improve their chances of making a postseason push, Ohio State needs to execute a more efficient style of basketball, particularly in the areas of shot selection, offensive execution, and rebounding. These areas directly affect possession control and are vital for a team that’s looking to have more opportunities to score than its opponents.

Offensive Efficiency: Maximizing Possessions

The first area in which Ohio State must focus on to increase its possessions is offensive efficiency. Ohio State has a talented offense, but it’s been inconsistent throughout the season. Often, their offensive possessions end with rushed or low-percentage shots, leaving little time for offensive rebounds or second-chance opportunities. By slowing the game down and ensuring each possession is productive, Ohio State can limit wasted opportunities and increase their total number of possessions.

A key area that Ohio State needs to improve is their shot selection. Too often, the Buckeyes have taken quick, contested shots, leading to missed opportunities and longer transition periods for their opponents. One of the most effective ways to control possessions is by running an offense that works the ball around and creates open shots. By being more patient on offense and executing a more controlled game plan, Ohio State can ensure they’re maximizing their chances of scoring while minimizing turnovers and poor shot selection.

Another factor to consider is pace. Ohio State tends to favor a slower pace of play, which can be beneficial in some instances, as it allows for more control over the game. However, this can also limit the total number of possessions in the game. By carefully choosing when to push the tempo and when to slow things down, the Buckeyes can find the right balance between controlling the pace and increasing their scoring opportunities.

Rebounding: A Critical Factor in Possession Control

One of the most effective ways to gain additional possessions is through offensive rebounding. When a team misses a shot, the ability to secure an offensive rebound allows them to retain possession and try again. Ohio State has several players capable of crashing the boards and securing second-chance opportunities, and in a tournament setting, these extra possessions can be critical in tight games.

Players like Zed Key and Brice Sensabaugh are important in this area, as they can dominate the glass, providing their team with the chance to extend possessions and keep the pressure on the opposing defense. Securing offensive rebounds also limits the opponent’s chances to run fast breaks and get out in transition. As Ohio State heads into the postseason, maintaining a strong presence on the boards, particularly on the offensive glass, will be vital for keeping their offense alive.

On the defensive end, Ohio State must also improve its defensive rebounding. A team’s ability to box out and limit second-chance opportunities for the opponent is crucial in possession control. Allowing an opponent to grab offensive rebounds can give them multiple opportunities to score in a single possession, which can quickly shift the momentum in a game. Ohio State’s defense has shown promise, but if they are to improve their possession battle, they must continue to work on securing defensive rebounds to prevent extended possessions for their opponents.

Turnovers: Limiting Mistakes

Another key factor in possession control is the ability to limit turnovers. Ohio State has struggled at times with turnovers, which allows opponents to gain extra possessions and potentially capitalize on fast breaks. The more turnovers a team commits, the fewer opportunities they have to score and the more chances they give their opponents to do so.

Ohio State must ensure that they make smart decisions with the basketball, especially when facing pressure defenses. By keeping turnovers to a minimum, they can give themselves more opportunities to execute their offense and get quality shots. Having Bruce Thornton and Justice Sueing take on primary ball-handling duties will be crucial in managing the offense, as both are capable of controlling the tempo and avoiding unforced turnovers. The Buckeyes must limit mistakes, particularly in high-pressure moments during tournament games, as each possession becomes more valuable in the postseason.

Defense: Slowing Down the Opponent’s Offense

Ohio State’s defense must also play a critical role in possession control. By slowing down their opponents’ offense and forcing them to take contested shots, the Buckeyes can limit the number of possessions the opposition has in a game. Ohio State’s defense has been solid at times this season, but in the postseason, they must elevate their level of play to ensure they are taking control of each possession.

For Ohio State to be successful defensively, they must execute strong ball pressure and limit easy opportunities for the opposition. Forcing turnovers, blocking shots, and contesting every shot attempt will give Ohio State more chances to score. In the tournament, Ohio State needs to prioritize their defense, especially against high-powered offenses that can score quickly. If they can force opponents into mistakes and get out in transition, they will not only control possessions but also set the tone for the entire game.

One specific area of focus will be pick-and-roll defense, which has been a weakness at times this season. Ohio State needs to defend the pick-and-roll more effectively, forcing their opponents into difficult shots and avoiding giving up easy baskets in transition. If Ohio State can slow down their opponent’s offense, they will limit the total number of possessions and increase their own chances to score.

Big Ten Tournament: Ohio State’s Path Forward

As Ohio State enters the Big Ten Tournament, there are a number of teams they could potentially face that will present significant challenges. Whether it’s a team like Purdue, with their dominant big men and high-powered offense, or a squad like Michigan State, which thrives on defense and slowing down the tempo, Ohio State must focus on what they can control: maximizing their possessions.

The key to Ohio State’s success in the tournament lies in their ability to dictate the tempo of the game. By controlling possessions through efficient offense, strong rebounding, limiting turnovers, and playing tough defense, Ohio State can increase their chances of advancing through each round. Whether it’s a first-round matchup or a potential showdown with one of the top teams in the conference, Ohio State’s approach will hinge on how effectively they manage each possession.

Ohio State’s Formula for Success

Ohio State’s hopes for a successful run in the Big Ten Tournament rest on their ability to gain a few more possessions than their opponents. By being more efficient on offense, improving their rebounding, limiting turnovers, and playing stifling defense, Ohio State can give themselves the opportunity to outlast their competition. In a tournament where every game is a battle, maximizing possessions could be the key to turning their season around and making a deep postseason run. As the Big Ten Tournament gets underway, all eyes will be on how the Buckeyes execute their game plan and whether they can capitalize on their possessions to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.