The Ohio State Buckeyes started the Big Ten tournament with some cold shooting, missing 11 of their first 13 shots. They needed a hot shooting second half to eliminate Penn State 63-56. The Bucks were led by Ron Lewis with 17 points, while Big Ten player of the year Terrance Dials pitched in with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Ohio State never led until a 3-point shot with less than 6 minutes left by Jamar Butler put them up 60-59. The Nittany Lions eliminated a top seeded Ohio State team six years ago in the Big Ten tournament and the Buckeyes were determined to not let this happen again.

Ohio State continues to struggle with zone defenses and teams that like to slow the ball down on offense. This is something they should expect to see in the NCAA tournament. The positive is that this team and coach are very determined to succeed and refused to accept the preseason projection of finishing 5th in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes will face the Indiana Hoosiers tomorrow, a 61-56 winner over Wisconsin. A win in the semifinal game will almost already assure them of at least a number 2 seed in the NCAA tournament.

According to Dick Vitale, the Buckeyes have a shot at a #1 seed:

“I really believe Thad Matta and his kids, if they make it to at least the semifinals, will end up as a No. 1 seed,” he said Tuesday in Dayton. “You can look at Memphis, but I give the edge to Ohio State (because) winning the regular-season title in the Big Ten shows you have durability.”

Duke, UConn and Villanova are virtual locks, so it might come down to Ohio State and Memphis for the final slot.