It’s not entirely accurate to say Ohio State needs to win Saturday at No. 2 Michigan State to reach the NCAA tournament.
Even a win there might not be enough. With one game remaining in the regular season and the Big Ten tournament looming, the Buckeyes are still in search of a crucial win — or two, or three — that would lift them onto the bubble. Should Ohio State leave the Breslin Center with a win, though, it will at least be in the running for a final spot in the bracket.
It’s a lofty challenge, but one that makes the Buckeyes the envy of most teams in their position.