Ohio State vs. Michigan State: A Crucial Matchup for NCAA Tournament Hopes

Ohio State vs. Michigan State: A Battle for Tournament Positioning

The Ohio State Buckeyes face a critical test on Sunday as they travel to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. For Ohio State, this game represents a significant opportunity to secure their first Quad 1 victory of the season and bolster their NCAA Tournament resume.

The Stakes are High for Ohio State

Currently, the Buckeyes find themselves on the precarious edge of the tournament bracket, listed among the “Last Four In” according to CBS Sports Bracketology. A win against Michigan State would dramatically improve their chances of reaching the Big Dance for the first time since 2022. It’s not just about Ohio State’s fate; a victory would also strengthen the Big Ten’s overall bid total for the tournament.

Bubble Watch: Teams on the Brink

The NCAA Tournament bubble is a volatile landscape, and several teams are fighting for their postseason lives. Here’s a snapshot of where other contenders stand:

UCLA: Secured a crucial bubble win against Illinois, improving their seed to a No. 10.
USC: Suffered a heartbreaking loss to Oregon despite the return of leading scorer Chad Baker-Mazara, dropping them to the “First Four Out.”
Indiana: Slid to “Next Four Out” due to a concerning lack of quality wins (Quad 1 and 2).
Other Teams in the Mix: Missouri, Santa Clara, New Mexico, TCU, Cal, VCU, Seton Hall, Virginia Tech, San Diego State, Arizona State.

You can find the latest bracket projections and analysis at the CBS Sports Bracketology hub.

Ohio State’s Quad 1 Struggles

Ohio State’s season has been defined by a struggle to secure wins against top-tier opponents. They are currently 0-8 in Quad 1 games, 6-1 in Quad 2, and undefeated in Quads 3 and 4. While their overall predictive metrics rank around 38th nationally, their resume lacks the signature victories needed to feel secure.

A win at the Breslin Center against Michigan State would provide that much-needed boost. Even if they fall short on Sunday, upcoming road games against Iowa and a home contest against Purdue offer further opportunities to strengthen their tournament profile.

Game Details

Date: Sunday
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
TV: CBS