It's not something Ohio State fans have seen much of in recent years, but it's the reality of the 2015-16 season: The Buckeyes are playing in the NIT.
And just three days after Ohio State was bounced from the Big Ten tournament by Michigan State — the Buckeyes' third loss to the Spartans in three weeks — it begins its journey in the NIT, the consolation tournament for those teams not selected to play in the NCAA tournament. Ohio State is a No. 3 seed and hosts sixth-seeded Akron on Tuesday night at Value City Arena.
"As I’ve always said with this group, having an opportunity to continue to play is a good thing," Buckeyes head coach Thad Matta said Monday.