Ohio State is facing significant pressure as it embarks on a crucial stretch of games in its pursuit of an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Following a disappointing loss to then-No. 15 Virginia, the Buckeyes are now set to take on No. 24 Wisconsin, a team that previously defeated them earlier in the season. With just a few games remaining, Ohio State’s chances of ending a four-year NCAA Tournament drought rely heavily on their performance against the Badgers.
In the lead-up to the game, assistant coach Jake Diebler emphasized the need for the Buckeyes to maintain control of the ball and create better offensive opportunities through improved movement. “We’ve got to take care of the ball at a high level against them to keep them out of transition,” Diebler said, acknowledging the team’s struggle with fatigue and execution in previous games.
Ohio State’s recent performance has been inconsistent, reflecting a .500 record over the past eight games with four victories and four losses. As a result, the Buckeyes have slipped to the wrong side of the NCAA Tournament bubble. Bracket Matrix shows Ohio State as the third team out of the tournament, with only 21.4% of brackets predicting their inclusion if the season ended today. Esteemed bracketologists from ESPN, FOX, and CBS Sports have echoed this uncertainty, positioning the Buckeyes as a team at serious risk of missing out once again.
The Buckeyes must win against Wisconsin, particularly as they navigate a tough schedule, which includes three upcoming Quad 1 matchups. The absence of key player John Mobley Jr. due to injury further complicates their path. Despite this challenge, Diebler remains optimistic about his team’s resilience, citing their capacity to respond positively in high-stakes situations.
Ohio State’s last contest against Virginia highlighted several issues, including fatigue and lapses in execution during crucial moments. With four players logging over 30 minutes on the court, maintaining energy levels has become a significant concern. The Buckeyes struggled offensively down the stretch, scoring only seven points in the final ten minutes, which ultimately allowed Virginia to secure the win.
In contrast, Wisconsin enters the game riding high after impressive victories over ranked opponents. They are currently performing exceptionally well, and their offense has been prolific, averaging substantial points in recent games. The Badgers have the ability to stretch the court with their three-point shooting, which was evident during their previous encounter with Ohio State, where they established a solid lead throughout the match.
As Ohio State prepares for this defining moment, players need to elevate their performance while aiming for better contributions from the bench. With tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the Buckeyes must rise to the occasion in what could be a transformative game for their NCAA Tournament hopes. Diebler remains hopeful that the toughness and determination displayed by his players will lead them to victory as they look to break a streak of inconsistency and foster a positive momentum.