OSU Downs Spartans, Upgraded to Critical But Stable

Facing there umpteenth consecutive must win situation - of which they've lost more than they won - the Buckeyes closed out the regular season with a stirring 63-54 comeback against Michigan State. With Columbus buried under 20 inches of snow, the Buckeyes used a pressure defense in the second half to rattle the Spartans and beat a second ranked team team this week.
The game was a tale of two halves. OSU floundered through the first, leaving fans to wonder when football spring practice started. But with their ticket to the NIT nearly punched, Ohio State turned up the heat in the second half, forcing 17 turnovers for the game. It was an important win for the Buckeyes, who celebrated Senior Day for Jamar Butler, Othello Hunter and Matt Terwilliger.

All attention now turns...back to Michigan State. The Buckeyes are locked into the #5 seed in the Big Ten tournament, and will face the same Spartans Friday afternoon. Conventional wisdom says they need to win again to get in, but that's not a lock either way. With a horrendous slump at the end of the season, even a third straight quality win might not be enough for the young Bucks. On the other hand, this year's weak bubble might get OSU in even with a loss. Of course, that assumes at-large bid aren't lost during the craziness of conference tournament week. Either way, beating a Tom Izzo-led team twice in a week is a tall order.

(photo by The-OZone.net)