The Ohio State basketball team destroys Michigan

The Ohio State basketball team was hoping to have a big win on Senior Day. They took on Michigan in a game that they had to have if they wanted to keep their slim NCAA Tournament hopes alive. Ohio State did that and then some, destroying Michigan 84-61 and never looking back after a big second half.

Beating a bad Michigan team at home had to happen if the Buckeyes were going to make the NCAA Tournament. Losing to a team with just eight wins would have ended their hopes. A Quad 3 loss would have ended the miracle. Yet, a 23-point win, their largest over TTUN since 2005, gives them a shot to keep the dream alive.

The Ohio State basketball team keeps rolling under Jake Diebler

Jake Deibler continues to get the most out of this team. The Buckeyes are now 4-1 under Diebler since Chris Holtmann was fired. He is getting the team to play really strong defense, something they struggled with under Holtmann. The perimeter defense in particular has gotten much better. Teams are not hitting threes at as high of a clip.

Bruce Thornton led the way for the Buckeyes again. After missing the last game against Nebraska, Thornton put in 17 points on 3-8 shooting but a perfect 10/10 from the free throw line. When he is on the floor, the offense opens up in so many different directions. He is the best player the Buckeyes have and he continues to show that.

Next up for the Buckeyes is a road game against Rutgers one week from today. The Buckeyes only have one road win this season, but a second one is necessary to keep the NCAA Tourney hopes alive. They still need to win at least two games in the Big Ten Tournament in addition to that to even be on the bubble.

The fact that we are even having a discussion about this Ohio State basketball team having a shot at the NCAA Tournament is a testament to how good Deibler has been since taking over. He’s been the perfect interim head coach.