The Ohio State basketball program is coming off the two worst losses they have suffered all year. They lost back-to-back games against Maryland and Nebraska and are now in free fall. Their game tonight against Michigan State has now become a must-win for the program.
It’s a must-win because they have to get some of their confidence back before the NCAA Tournament starts. As I said before, the Buckeyes won’t miss the Tournament. They have too many good wins from early in the season that would keep that from happening.
What they do have are two home games to end the season with against teams that are reeling. Michigan State has lost 6 of their last 8 games and TTUN doesn’t have their head coach. There’s no reason why Chris Holtmann’s squad can’t win both of these games.
That starts by winning tonight. It’s unclear what the status is of Kyle Young and Zed Key for tonight, but I would assume Key is out again. Young should be back, which is very helpful. We’ll find out closer to the 7 pm tipoff what the official status is of those two players though.
If this slide continues, more and more calls will be heard for Holtmann to be on the hot seat. I think Ohio State should evaluate who else is out there right now, but I don’t think he needs to be fired yet. If he can’t get the team to at least the Sweet 16 this year, then my opinion on that might change.
All of that talk can hold off for now. Right now, the Ohio State basketball team needs to protect their home floor and get themselves a win that they can feel good about. I know the team is tired, but now is not the time to slow down. They have to keep pushing forward.