NCAA Tournament: #2 Seed in the Midwest, Ohio State, Could Be Kansas’ Biggest Challenge

The Ohio State Buckeyes won the Big Ten Tournament by being the best team in the Big Ten. Ohio State didn’t actually hit their stride until later on in the season. At one point, after the Buckeyes had lost back to back games to Wisconsin and Michigan, there was talk that Ohio State might not even make it into the NCAA Tournament.

At that point, Ohio State was 14 and 4. They would lose only 3 more games the entire season and win the Big Ten Tournament to garner the 2 seed. Will that late run lead to a Final Four berth and an NCAA Championship?

Midwest: #2 Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes lost to North Carolina, one of the few teams to do so, in their 3 rd game of the season, 77 to 73. They also lost to Butler 74 to 66 and Purdue 60 to 57 besides the losses to Wisconsin and Michigan. Their other loss, to West Virginia 71 to 65 on the road, was actually one of the more impressive games that they played this season. West Virginia is a top team and the fact that Ohio State only lost by 6 points to them is a solid testament to the Buckeyes’ overall ability.

Offense: Ohio State has arguably the best player in college hoops on their team in Evan Turner. The 6’6” guard averages 19.5 points per game, 9.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists. He’s definitely a do it all player but he isn’t the only scorer on this team. Jon Diebler, David Lighty and William Buford all contribute and Lighty can actually control a game like he did on Saturday after Turner fouled out of the Big Ten semi-final game against the Illinois Illini. Ohio State shoots 49.6% from the field and averages 74.2 points per game.

Defense: Defensively, the Buckeyes are rock solid. They allow 61.2 points per game. Teams shot only 41.1% from the field against them. Turrner averages 1.8 steals. The Buckeyes are good at converting turnovers and steals into easy buckets because all 5 of their starters can run the floor.

Prediction: If it weren’t Kansas being in their bracket, Ohio State would be my top pick to actually win the NCAA Tournament. No other team in the tournament has been on as good of a roll as the Buckeyes lately. They have the best player n the tournament in Evan Turner, 3 other players who can put up double-figures on offense, and play defense exceptionally well. This team is a solid wager at +1200 to win the title but Kansas…man, Kansas is good. I believe they make it to the Great Eight. At that point, it’s a toss-up in my mind on whether or not they can beat the Jayhawks.

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