Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball Tournament: Michigan, Purdue and Michigan State fight for the crown

By Eddie Herz

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 04: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 75-66 during the championship game of the Big 10 Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 4, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 04: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 75-66 during the championship game of the Big 10 Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 4, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 22: C.J. Jackson #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts in the second half against the UCLA Bruins during the CBS Sports Classic at the United Center on December 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 22: C.J. Jackson #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts in the second half against the UCLA Bruins during the CBS Sports Classic at the United Center on December 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Bracketology (Part 1.)

Still Breathing – Ohio State

The selection committee would be torn on the Buckeyes if the season ended today. Joe Lunardi lists Ohio State as the last program receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes hold a 55 NET rating, as Chris Holtmann’s bunch has picked up quality wins over Iowa, Cincinnati and Minnesota. While the trio of victories aids OSU’s case, they aren’t enough to compensate for a 13-loss regular season. The Buckeyes need to do some damage in the Big Ten Tournament to get in.

Considering OSU is teetering on the edge, losing to Indiana in the eight-nine game will tarnish its March Madness hopes. I’d say Ohio State needs to win two games before selection Sunday to get in, mainly because the program will be in review with 14 losses if it doesn’t win the BTT. Twenty wins make 14 losses significantly more acceptable.

Indiana

Indiana is undoubtedly on the outside looking in. Because of how strong the Big Ten is, the Hoosiers remain on the bubble with 14 losses. There is still a pulse in Bloomington, but Indiana has no room for error. I find it impossible for the Hoosiers to earn an at-large bid with 15 losses unless their final loss comes in the BTT Championship. Even then Indiana wouldn’t be a sure shot for a bid. Archie Miller’s squad needs to get passed Ohio State and Michigan State first. This isn’t likely, but I’d advise you not to overlook the chances of this happening. The Hoosiers have MSU’s number, as they are 2-0 against the Spartans this season.

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