Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings: Illinois, Maryland, and Michigan State fight at top
By Ryan Kay
10. Ohio State 15-7 (5-6)
Key Wins
*On the road beat North Carolina 74-49 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge
*Defeated Villanova 76-51 in the Gavitt Tipoff Games.
*Beat in-state rival Cincinnati 64-56.
*Defeated Kentucky on a neutral court, 71-65
*Beat Penn State, 106-74.
Disappointing Losses
*Got swept by the Golden Gophers losing at Minnesota 84-71 and losing by 3 at home, 62-59.
*Lost at home to Wisconsin by a score of 61-57.
KenPom Ranking 12
Net Ranking 20
Ohio brought back a great group from last season in Kaleb Wesson, Andre Wesson, and Duane Washington Jr. They also had an amazing start to their season winning some notable non-conference game. However, they had a rough January in Big Ten play but they have been playing better of late.
Ohio State had easily been the most intriguing and fun to watch Big Ten team in non-conference play but the Buckeyes really began to struggle in Big Ten play last month. Ohio State has depth and different players stepping up at various times but injuries and a key player taking a leave of absence stalled the momentum that the Buckeyes had gained in November and December. They at times have been a fun team to watch but they also have lost some games in Big Ten play which they should have won. As stated time and time again, Ohio State started off the season on fire and defeating some really good teams but hit a wall in the first half of Big Ten conference play.
Had this week’s power rankings been done in December, the Buckeyes would have easily been ranked No. 1 in this Big Ten ranking. However, Ohio State lost by double digits to a Gopher team that has been inconsistent in Big Ten play on the road and lost to Minnesota at home in a game they should of absolutely should have won. Though Ohio State had a tough stretch where they lost 5 out of 6 games in Big Ten play, they have rebounded and won three straight games.
Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann is turning the program back into a top-tier Big ten squad even though their place in the Big Ten standings doesn’t currently reflect it. His impressive non-conference wins and his team’s very impressive victory over Penn State is evidence of that. Ohio State has easily surprised may college basketball experts this season with their up and down play but he Buckeyes will be a dangerous team in the Big Ten tournament as well as possibly the NCAA tournament as well.