Ohio State University is set to make its NCAA Tournament return for the first time since 2022, having secured a spot as an 8th seed. The Buckeyes” journey to the tournament was solidified with a crucial victory against Purdue two weeks ago, which marked a turning point in their season.
Following the win over Purdue, Ohio State went on to win three consecutive games, effectively removing themselves from the NCAA Tournament bubble. The anticipation surrounding the team during the selection process was largely logistical, with fans eager to learn about their first-round matchup.
Ohio State will face 9th-seeded TCU in their opening game on Thursday in Greenville, South Carolina. The exact tip-off time is expected to be announced later. The Buckeyes spent a significant part of February teetering on the edge of tournament inclusion, frequently appearing in the Last Four In and First Four Out categories of various bracket forecasts.
The turning point came on March 1, when Ohio State pulled off a significant upset against top-20 ranked Purdue, giving them a much-needed marquee victory. They then followed that up with two more wins in the regular season before adding a decisive victory over Iowa in the Big Ten Conference tournament.
If the Buckeyes manage to defeat TCU, they will be rewarded with a second-round encounter against top overall seed Duke, who are set to play Siena on the same day. Duke recently clinched the ACC Tournament title, adding to the stakes for the upcoming match.
As Ohio State prepares for its first NCAA Tournament appearance in two years, the excitement among players and fans alike is palpable. The team aims to make a deep run and prove their mettle on this prestigious stage.
