Ohio State's position entering the final week of its regular season is obvious.
The Buckeyes are positioned on the NCAA Tournament bubble with two games to go. They've secured a Big Ten Tournament bid thanks to the tiebreakers they own, but they have a chance to go dancing for the first time in three seasons with wins against Nebraska and Indiana in the next five days. Any losses will mean there's work to be done in Indianapolis.
In his weekly meeting with Ohio State media on Monday, Buckeye head coach Jake Diebler expressed a keen awareness of where his team stands and how vital the next two contests are. He also made sure to give his team's seniors props, with Tuesday night being senior night, and gave his thoughts on the Huskers, who beat Ohio State in Nebraska earlier this year.
"We didn't rebound well enough the first time, that was part of it. We've gotta give Williams different looks so he can't just get into a rhythm, but he's a good player and he's gonna make some tough shots."– Jake Diebler on what Ohio State can do better against Nebraska
Nebraska guard Brice Williams has been one of the best players in the Big Ten this season, averaging 19.7 points per game. He collected 24 points and 10 rebounds the first time the Huskers faced the Buckeyes. Diebler is looking for better defense on him while still mitigating the challenges Juwan Gary, Connor Essegian and Williams' other teammates present, plus better rebounding after Nebraska outboarded Ohio State 37-28 on Feb. 9.
"How important toughness and playing together are and how it was important in year one to establish that. So those guys played a part in that."– Jake Diebler on Micah Parrish and Ques Glover's impact
Micah Parrish and Ques Glover, the only two seniors on Ohio State's roster this year as the Buckeyes enter senior night Tuesday, are both transfers. But although they were new to the team they were important pieces to establish Diebler's program in his first season with Parrish starring and Glover coming off the bench at guard. Diebler added that their leadership has helped OSU overcome a lot of the adversity it's faced this year.
Senior guard Meechie Johnson Jr., who transferred to Ohio State this offseason but hasn't played since December, will not be honored during the senior night festivities. Redshirt junior Kalen Etzler will be, however.
"There's no hiding from how important these games are. For us, regardless of the opponent, they're all important. But the fact that we play both of them is a great opportunity."– Jake Diebler on closing the season against two fellow Big Ten bubble teams
After facing Nebraska, Ohio State will travel to Assembly Hall to close its regular season at Indiana on Saturday. Both games resemble massive opportunities for the Buckeyes' postseason ambitions as the Huskers and Hoosiers both join the Buckeyes as NCAA Tournament bubble teams. In addition, a win in those contests would likely secure a bye for OSU in the Big Ten Tournament.
