Scarlet and Game
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Ohio State basketball’s jump in poll sign they are a true contender

By Ryan Stano

Ohio State Buckeyes forward Justice Sueing (14) goes up for a shot while guarded by Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (0) during Sunday's NCAA Division I men's basketball game at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio on January 31, 2021. Ohio State won the game 79-62.Ceb Osu Mbk Msu Bjp 2168
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Justice Sueing (14) goes up for a shot while guarded by Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (0) during Sunday's NCAA Division I men's basketball game at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio on January 31, 2021. Ohio State won the game 79-62.Ceb Osu Mbk Msu Bjp 2168 /
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The Ohio State basketball team has jumped into the top ten of the AP Poll for the first time since December of 2019. It shows just how good this team can be.

The Ohio State basketball team has once again started to peak at the right time of the year. At the end of last season, they were playing some of their best basketball of the season. They could have been as high as a four-seed in the NCAA Tournament. They might be playing better this year.

Ohio State jumped up to seventh in the AP Poll on Monday, marking their highest ranking since early last season. They are now the second-highest ranked Big Ten team behind Michigan, who is ranked fourth. The Buckeyes are one spot ahead of Iowa, who is 8th.

As I wrote yesterday, the Buckeyes’ recent play has shown that they are truly a contender to make some real noise when March rolls around. They haven’t even hit their ceiling yet. Ohio State still isn’t fully healthy and they don’t have all of their players playing at their full capacity either.

Ohio State has played a tough schedule already, but they are about to hit the most brutal part of it. They still have to play Iowa twice, starting on Thursday. They also play Illinois and Michigan as well. In fact, they play four ranked opponents in their final eight games.

If Ohio State is able to play those teams well and win even three out of those four games, look out. This team could be on their way to a two or even a one-seed in the NCAA Tournament. That will of course depend on how they play in the Big Ten Tournament.

Next. Early look at Ohio State football's non-conference schedule. dark

Right now this team is extremely fun to watch. They will be even more fun to watch once they hit their full stride.

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