The Ohio State men's basketball team fell to Rutgers on Wednesday night, 66-57, in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament in Washington D.C.
While most fans would probably be content without seeing the team play another game until next season, it would appear Thad Matta's men could play at least one more game in the National Invitation Tournament.
According to Adam Jardy of The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio State signed a "non-binding" agreement back in January to play in the 2017 N.I.T.
The agreement is sent to nearly all Division I men's basketball teams starting in late January. Teams that return a signed agreement can change their minds about playing in the NIT, but an NCAA spokesman said such decisions are rare. Last season, LSU went 19-14 overall and 11-7 in the Southeastern Conference but declined an NIT bid after turning in a signed agreement.
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The signed agreement includes information such as where a team would play and what dates are available for home games. It precludes teams from participating in other postseason events such as the CBI or CIT but not the NCAA Tournament.
If it does not change its mind, Ohio State currently projects as a mid-range N.I.T. bid. Matta, however, was noncommittal to that prospect after last night's loss.
The N.I.T. tips off on March 14.
