Ohio State Basketball: Keys to Buckeyes' 2012 NCAA Tournament Run

The Ohio State Buckeyes enter the NCAA tournament as a bit of an underdog despite finishing in a three-way tie atop the Big Ten during the regular season. Head coach Thad Matta will be looking to use that as motivation heading into the big dance.

Ohio State has more than enough firepower in its starting lineup to make a deep run in the tournament. Led by Jared Sullinger, the team has three players averaging at least 15 points per game. Outside of the starting lineup, nobody is contributing more than four points, however.

All told, the Buckeyes are certainly among the contenders to cut down the nets in New Orleans. Let's examine the reasons they fall into that select category.

Superstars Who Must Shine

Jared Sullinger

Sullinger is Ohio State's lead dog. If he's not dominating opponents in the paint, it will be difficult for the Buckeyes to generate any consistent offensive production. He leads the team at 17 points per game while chipping in nine rebounds as well.

He's one of the most polished players in the entire 68-team field, and he'll need to play like it every single game if Ohio State is going to make a Final Four charge. Luckily for Buckeye fans, he's only had one or two clunkers all season, so he's a good player to rely on.

William Buford

The balance Buford provides is invaluable. Since the Buckeyes depend on their post players for so much offense, opposing teams could collapse in the paint if it wasn't for the senior guard. His presence along keeps teams honest, which is key.

Aside from that intangible factor, Buford's stats are solid. He's pouring in 15 points per game to go along with five rebounds and three assists. If he can maintain that form throughout the tournament, Ohio State will be an extremely tough out.

Role Player Who Must Emerge

Aaron Craft is the player just outside their top three that the Buckeyes need to step up. At the business end of the tourney, when teams are better able to match up with Ohio State, it will be Craft's job to knock down important shots.

Not only is he a reliable shooter at better than 50 percent, but he's a rock-solid defender as well. He'll be able to match up with top guard from the other team and keep him under control. It's something that doesn't show up in the box score, but helps a team survive and advance.

So, while most of the focus when it comes to Ohio State will be on its trio of stars, Craft will be a major factor in the team's ability to emerge victorious.

Offensive Strategy to Watch

Ohio State is going to spend a lot of time in the tournament dumping the ball into the post. From there, Sullinger and Deshaun Thomas will do all the heavy lifting. Thomas is also able to stretch the floor to knock down jumpers.

If they can establish authority down low, the team's entire offensive approach becomes a lot easier. As defenders begin to collapse to double team, Sullinger and Thomas can kick it out to open shooters for clean looks.

That inside-out style is nothing new, of course, but when the Buckeyes are clicking on all cylinders, it's virtually unstoppable. Having three players who can put up a big game at anytime helps ensure they don't endure many extended scoring slumps.

Defensive Strategy to Watch

The Buckeyes are boring on defense. They don't block a ton of shots and aren't overly aggressive going for steals. But they still get the job done, and that's all that matters. They are allowing less than 60 points per game.

As previously mentioned, Craft is a solid perimeter defender, and Buford isn't too shabby either. They should be able to contain opposing guards, especially those from inferior opponents, which usually have a couple three-point marksmen.

While Sullinger and Thomas are able to alter a lot of shots simply due to their size, you won't see them going out of their way to block shots. It's a trade-off of sorts, because it allows them to stay out of foul trouble—something the Buckeyes can't afford.

Biggest NCAA Tournament Hurdle

Fellow East Region powerhouse Syracuse will be Ohio State's biggest hurdle. The Orange head into the tournament with a 31-2 record and were undefeated against ranked opponents during the regular season. So, the record is no fluke.

The key to a potential Elite Eight matchup would be Kris Joseph vs. Sullinger. Ohio State would need their talented big man to dominate in the paint if they were going to overcome Syracuse's depth. The Orange have seven players averaging at least six points.

Another issue is the 2-3 zone defense Syracuse utilizes. The Buckeyes don't have many reliable outside shooters, which are essential in order to beat the zone. Thomas and Buford would be on the hot seat if the projected matchup occurred.

Last-Second NCAA Tournament Prediction

Ohio State shouldn't have much to worry about in the early rounds. Loyola doesn't have the size to keep up with the Buckeyes' big men and, like most mid-major conference champions, are overly reliant on jump shots to keep them in games.

Their second-round opponent will be either Gonzaga or West Virginia. I expect to Mountaineers to narrowly pull out a win, but in either case, Ohio State will be heavily favored and should advance.

The other side of the Buckeyes' Sweet 16 bracket is wide open. Even St. Bonaventure could make a shocking run thanks to star forward Andrew Nicholson. No matter who survives from that group of four, Ohio State has the edge.

That will likely bring Sullinger and Co. to the aforementioned game against Syracuse. The Orange are simply a bad matchup for Ohio State. The Buckeyes don't have the shooters to break down their zone, which will make scoring points a struggle.

Prediction: Eliminated in Elite Eight