The odds for the Ohio State Buckeyes to reach the national championship, as reported by Fox 19 Cincinnati, stood at +50000 in February. Since then, former Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann was dismissed on Feb. 14 and succeeded by assistant coach Jake Diebler. This change at the helm ignited a winning streak for the Buckeyes, commencing with a victory over unranked Michigan State on Feb. 25. Before Holtmann’s departure, Ohio State’s prospects for competitiveness in the Big Ten Tournament seemed daunting and far-fetched.
Photo Cred: The Columbus Dispatch
Nevertheless, the Buckeyes’ triumph against No. 2 Purdue in Columbus on Feb. 18 ushered in a new era for Buckeye basketball. Players such as Bruce Thornton and Jamison Battle have showcased markedly improved performances compared to their time under Holtmann. Since that pivotal game, Ohio State has only suffered one loss, securing a stronger standing in the Big Ten tournament—an outcome that seemed improbable in February.
Presently, the team boasts a four-game winning streak, with each victory enhancing their chances of advancing to the Big Dance. However, the road ahead is challenging. Ohio State must secure multiple wins in the Big Ten tournament to entertain hopes of participating in March Madness. Their initial test comes against the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Buckeyes hold a 2-1 all-time record against the Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Tournament and are 33-18 all-time in Big Ten tournament contests.
Photo Cred: USA Today
The last time Ohio State claimed the Big Ten tournament championship was in 2013, when the tenth-seeded Buckeyes defeated the eighth-seeded Michigan State Spartans. Last year in the Big Ten Tournament, the Buckeyes were bested 80-66 by top-seeded Purdue in the semifinals following victories over Iowa and Michigan State. Despite their commendable performance in the previous Big Ten tournament, Ohio State failed to secure a spot in March Madness last year.
Their last appearance in the Big Dance was during the 2020-21 season, concluding with a 21-10 overall record and a 12-8 standing in the Big Ten, albeit falling to Oral Roberts in overtime during the second round. The Buckeyes’ most recent Final Four appearance was during the 2011-12 season, during which they achieved a 31-8 overall record and a 13-5 standing in the Big Ten. Since the 2012-13 season, every March Madness campaign for Ohio State has resulted in elimination during either the first or second round.
Despite Diebler’s recent successes with the Buckeyes, the path to March Madness remains formidable. The team must secure victories in the Big Ten tournament merely to be considered for a berth. Prediction: Ohio State defeats Iowa but falls short of advancing past the second round of the Big Ten tournament, effectively extinguishing their chances of participating in March Madness.
