Ohio State’s basketball team faces a crucial game against Indiana, impacting both their NCAA Tournament chances and Big Ten Tournament seeding. A win would secure the ninth seed and enhance their tournament resume. Analysts currently project Ohio State as a bubble team, making this game a must-win for postseason hopes.
Ohio State Basketball: NCAA Tournament and Big Ten Prospects Analysis
Current Situation Overview
The Ohio State men’s basketball team currently finds itself in a precarious position regarding NCAA Tournament participation. Their upcoming game against Indiana has become particularly crucial for improving their tournament resume and securing their postseason future.
The Indiana Matchup: Dual Significance
The matchup against Indiana carries significant weight for two key reasons:
NCAA Tournament Implications
- The game represents a critical opportunity for Ohio State to strengthen their NCAA Tournament credentials
- A victory would provide another quality win to bolster their case before Selection Sunday
Big Ten Tournament Positioning
- Ohio State and Indiana are currently tied for ninth place in the conference standings
- The top nine teams receive a first-round bye in the Big Ten Tournament
- The winner will secure the ninth seed, while the loser will drop to the tenth seed
- Ninth seed will face Oregon or Illinois on Thursday
- Tenth seed must play on Wednesday against the fifteenth seed
Bracketology Assessments
Multiple respected bracketology sources have weighed in on Ohio State’s tournament chances:
USA Today
- Projects Ohio State as an 11th seed
- Has them narrowly avoiding the “First Four” play-in games
ESPN (Joe Lunardi)
- Recently upgraded Ohio State to a 10th seed
- Projects them facing BYU in Lexington, Kentucky
CBS Sports (Jerry Palm)
- Ohio State has moved off the bubble in Palm’s latest projections
- Currently lists them as the third team among the “Last Four In”
- Projects an 11th seed matchup against Boise State in a “First Four” game
The Athletic
- Lists Ohio State as an 11th seed
- Has them avoiding the “First Four” but as the very last team to receive a direct bid
Consensus Projections
- BracketMatrix.com shows Ohio State as an 11th seed in their composite ranking
- BartTorvik.com analytics give Ohio State a 60.4% probability of making the NCAA Tournament
Key Selection Metrics
NET Ranking
- Ohio State currently sits at No. 35 in the NET rankings
- The NET (NCAA Evaluation Tool) replaced the RPI as the primary sorting tool used by the NCAA Tournament selection committee
Quadrant Records
- Quadrant 1: 6-10 record (games against top teams, particularly valuable)
- Quadrant 2: 3-3 record
- Quadrants 3 & 4: No losses (avoiding “bad losses” is crucial for tournament consideration)
- This “quality win” profile demonstrates Ohio State has competed well against top competition
Additional Ohio State Athletics Notes
While basketball remains the focus, other Ohio State athletics developments include:
- Football: Quarterback Air Noland has transferred from Ohio State to South Carolina
- NFL Combine: Matthew Golden’s performance impressed scouts, with one NFL coach drawing comparisons to Ohio State receivers
- Wrestling: The Ohio State wrestling team will compete in the 2025 Big Ten Championships
Outlook
The Indiana game represents a pivotal moment in Ohio State’s season. A win would not only improve their Big Ten Tournament positioning but could potentially solidify their place in the NCAA Tournament field. While currently projected as one of the last teams in, their tournament destiny remains in their own hands with this crucial matchup.
Ohio State Bracketology: 2025 March Madness Odds – RealGM
