Buckeyes are a 1-seed!.......oh, wait

After an early exit in the Big Ten tournament, the Buckeyes find themselves on the dance floor—at the NIT.
Ohio State wasn’t the only bubble team to give little reason for the NCAA committee to select them; many of the teams that went into the weekend on the bubble did little to improve their status.
However, the Bucks’ loss to Michigan State opened the door for Pac-10 bubble teams Arizona and Oregon who got the nod for playing in what many see as a superior conference to the Big Ten, among others. A Buckeye win over MSU would have certainly been enough to nudge OSU into the real dance.
Now, it’s all about whether the players feel snubbed and are out to prove something or if they are just going to hang their heads. As a No. 1 seed in the NIT, they have a pretty easy draw that starts with UNC-Asheville at the Schott on Tuesday night. Most of the teams that they would face down the road are very beatable; it is the NIT, after all.
At least it will be somewhat exciting to see the glacier that is Kenny George, UNC-A’s seven-foot-seven-inch center that can dunk standing flat-footed.
Otherwise, it’s an unremarkable end to a season filled with promise that—like Ohio State’s tournament bid—came up just short so many times.

-M.F.

Short-lived stay in Indy

Indianapolis, IN—

Michigan State: 67
Ohio State: 60

The Buckeyes NCAA tournament hopes are on life support following today’s loss to MSU in the Big Ten quarterfinals. Spartan senior guard Drew Neitzel scored 28, hitting numerous dagger threes that sucked the momentum out of OSU. Kosta Koufos (19 points) and David Lighty (12) led the way for Ohio State.

Comments: The offense was very flat, leading to a lot of lengthy possessions that ended in a forced shot. The defense adjusted to Neitzel for a brief spell, but the Spartans did a great job making their own adjustments to rotate the ball to an open Neitzel for more heartbreaking threes. The Bucks also couldn’t make the big stop when they needed it. The defensive rebounding was again atrocious, allowing 15 offensive boards to MSU. Koufos was brilliant in one of the best games of his freshman season. Evan Turner struggled and Jamar Butler didn’t step up to make the big play. A technical foul on Othello Hunter midway through the second half was also an unnecessary hindrance. The officiating certainly didn't help, as there were a lot of touch fouls called and little reward of aggressive defending on both sides.

Tourney: The Buckeyes stand a slim chance of making the NCAA tournament. Despite a solid strength of schedule, they have just two wins over teams in the top-50 in RPI. This team seems destined for the NIT, but many of the other bubble teams have also fallen early in their conference tourneys. There is a chance, but it is very small.

Dribbles: While there were some Buckeye fans in attendance, many of the 15,000-plus in attendance either wore green-and-white or were other fans who were just anti-Buckeye for the game…the broadcast team will be staying in Indy for the weekend despite the loss…Thad Matta remains one win shy of his 8th straight 20-win season…The post-game meal receives a “B-plus” from the broadcasters…stay tuned to http://www.ohiostatesports.net/ for post-season broadcasting notes

-Matt Friedman

Moment of truth for Buckeye Ballers

In a few days the OSU basketball team will tip off for a second straight showdown with the Michigan State Spartans. It's a bit amazing to think that after a national championship appearance that OSU is in need of tournament victories to ensure the spot. Yet due to a sub par season that included zero significant road victories (Syracuse is a neutral site game) here we are. While OSU kept its at large bid alive with wins over Purdue and MSU this past week, I have a few fears heading into this game. However these fears are more geared around what MSU can do and less about OSU.

It's imperative to remember that MSU needs wins as well. The Spartans roster from top to bottom stacks up well amongst the conference. In fact with Drew Neitzel and Raymar Morgan leading the charge, they may be the most talented team in the Big Ten. That means that in order to make a serious NCAA tourney run, the Spartans need to impress in this tourney. The skill is clear and with Tom Izzo's tourney resume, a legit run to perhaps the elite eight is plausible (though not likely as of now in my view). This team will have to conquer this weekends festivities to secure a solid ranking and they don't lose in there first round matchup much.

Now the biggest positive in my view is that OSU is finally playing confidently and well. They had the look of a scary team in November/December and are starting to get that swagger back. When they move the basketball around and somebody steps up in key situations, this team appears capable of playing with most teams in America. The talent is unquestioned and Matta also has a history of success in the tourney format.

I expect nothing less then a great basketball game, which is a huge positive for alumni, students and fans alike. Am I predicting an OSU victory? Its Tuesday so I'm going to have to wait on that one (probably a good career move). But I sure won't put one in the win column for the Spartans just yet. This my friends is just the beginning of March Madness. Hopefully it’s not also the end. Go Bucks!

Buckeyes Big Ten ballin'

After going much of the season without a quality win over a top-50 RPI team to their name, the Buckeyes men’s basketball team scored two such victories in the past week, beating Purdue Tuesday and Michigan State Saturday. These wins will boost the Bucks’ NCAA tournament resume, however there is still work to be done in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.
We will bring you the broadcast as Ohio State and Michigan State meet for the second time in five days Friday at 2:30 p.m. Many, including myself, believe the Buckeyes are still on the bubble and need this win to get serious consideration for an at-large tournament berth. Even that may leave the decision at a toss-up. If the Buckeyes win Friday AND Saturday to reach their second straight Big Ten tournament final, that should put them over the top and basically clinch an at-large berth.
This team seems to have some swagger back and all the momentum of big home victories. Matt Friedman, along with Josh Ellis and Gabe Norris will dig our cars out of the blizzard and make the three-hour drive to Indianapolis to cover the tournament and hope the Buckeyes can make it to Sunday. Stay tuned to the blog throughout the weekend for updates about our experiences at the tournament. Go Bucks!

Baseball Time Approaches

Gray skies and cool temps in early March mean only one thing: Baseball season is close! I've been known to hate on February due to lack of sports but March is a golden time. With March madness approaching and the NBA playoff races heating up, all is well in the sports world. Yet what always clouds my mind during this time of year is the hot stove. We are in Spring Training and now is the time for jobs won, jobs lost, freak injuries and tiresome four hour affairs on the diamonds of the Flo and AZ. If you are a crazed baseball fanatic like yours truly then smile brightly on this day. We are approaching another year of our national pastime and 162 different stories that combine to tell the tale of a Major League Season. MLB 2008 let's get it on!

O YEA...........................

IT'S TRIBE TIME! IT'S TRIBE TIME! IT'S TRIBE TIME! IT'S TRIBE TIME! IT'S TRIBE TIME!