Ohio State’s Struggles and the Impact of the SEC’s Dominance on NCAA Tournament Hopes

Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament hopes took a hit on Thursday as they suffered a 70-49 home loss to Northwestern, dropping their record to 15-12. With just a few games left, the Buckeyes face a crucial stretch during their upcoming Los Angeles trip. A strong performance on the road could determine whether they make the tournament.

Meanwhile, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues to dominate the college basketball landscape this season. The SEC boasts five of the top six teams in the bracket, and it’s also home to five bubble teams—more than any other conference. As a result, this Saturday promises to be a busy day for teams on the tournament bubble, as they fight for their spot in March Madness.

Bubble Teams to Watch on Saturday

Here’s a look at the key bubble teams in action:

• Cincinnati vs. TCU (12 p.m. | ESPN2): At 15-12, Cincinnati’s tournament chances depend on picking up a series of wins. With four games remaining, including three at home, they need to capitalize on winnable matchups.
• Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State (1 p.m. | SEC Network): The Sooners are struggling, having lost six of their last seven games. With five straight tough conference matchups ahead, they must start winning soon to stay in tournament contention.
• West Virginia at Texas Tech (1 p.m. | ESPN+): West Virginia has impressive wins but has been inconsistent. This game is critical for their tournament hopes, as they need to show they can beat tough opponents on the road.
• Wake Forest at NC State (2 p.m. | ESPN2): The Demon Deacons need to secure wins in Quad 2 and 3 matchups before facing Duke. They can’t afford to falter if they want to stay in the hunt for an at-large bid.
• Vanderbilt vs. Ole Miss (3:30 p.m. | SEC Network): Vanderbilt faces a tough road ahead, but they’ll need a couple of home wins to keep their tournament chances alive.
• Georgia at Auburn (4 p.m. | ESPN): Georgia’s schedule is relatively kind, with opportunities against SEC bubble teams. Their next few games could determine if they make a late push for a spot in the tournament.
• North Carolina vs. Virginia (4 p.m. | ESPN): The Tar Heels are on the verge of being eliminated from NCAA Tournament contention. Their remaining schedule features several Quad 3 and Quad 4 matchups, making it difficult to stay in the race.
• SMU vs. Clemson (4 p.m. | ACC Network): SMU has squandered a chance for a quality win in recent weeks, and this game could be their last shot at making a tournament run.
• VCU vs. George Mason (4 p.m. | CBS Sports Network): VCU’s NCAA hopes depend on their ability to win games like this. Their resume lacks significant wins, making every matchup a must-win.
• Boise State at Nevada (6 p.m. | FS1): Boise State has a chance to improve their tournament profile but cannot afford any more slip-ups if they hope to make the cut.
• Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s (8 p.m. | ESPN): This matchup between the top two teams in the West Coast Conference is crucial for Gonzaga, who needs a strong win to solidify their tournament resume.
• San Diego State at Utah State (8 p.m. | CBS Sports Network): San Diego State has big non-conference wins but a couple of key losses. A strong performance in the Mountain West will be essential for their tournament hopes.
• Arkansas vs. Missouri (8 p.m. | ESPN): Arkansas needs a strong finish to their SEC schedule, and a win against Missouri would be a step in the right direction for securing an at-large bid.
• Texas at South Carolina (8:30 p.m. | SEC Network): Texas has one of the more favorable schedules of the SEC bubble teams. With three remaining road games, including matchups against fellow bubble teams, they need to finish strong.
• BYU at Arizona (10 p.m. | ESPN): BYU has been on a roll, but they face a tough test at Arizona. This road game could make or break their hopes of securing an at-large bid.

Teams on the NCAA Tournament Cut Line

Several teams are currently on the bubble, hoping to secure a spot in the field of 68. The SEC is a key conference to watch, with teams like Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and Missouri all in the mix. The Big 12 and Big Ten are also well-represented with teams fighting for their place, including Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, and Wisconsin.

Saturday’s action promises to be filled with high-stakes matchups, with numerous bubble teams scrambling to secure victories. As Ohio State and other bubble teams continue to battle for a spot in the NCAA Tournament, every win and loss will have significant consequences. With the SEC continuing to assert its dominance, it’s clear that this conference will play a major role in shaping the bracket come Selection Sunday.