Must Win Tonight For Buckeyes?

Ohio State looked like a lock for the NCAA Tournament just ten days ago. 

They were 7-4 in the Big Ten and seemed to be making a run at the regular season title. 

Ten days and three straight losses later though, Brutus Buckeye is in need of a win in the worst way possible. 

Ohio State has gone from tournament lock, to what is likely now on the outside of the bubble looking in.

Penn State enters tonight with a 19-8 overall record and an 8-6 Big Ten mark. 

With home games left against Indiana and Illinois, and a road meeting with Iowa still to go, it's fairly safe to assume Penn State will finish with 10 regular season wins, plenty to be invited to the big dance.

The same can't be said for the Buckeyes, who don't have the luxury of an easy schedule from here out.

After hosting Penn State tonight, Ohio State travels to Purdue on Saturday. 

Things do lighten up after that for Ohio State, as they have a trip to Iowa before hosting Northwestern in the regular season's final week. 

After tonight, it is likely the Bucks will go 2-1 the rest of the way out. 

Couple that with a win tonight and they finish 10-8 in the Big Ten.  A loss tonight though, and 9-9 in conference is very likely.

Not to say Ohio State can't make a run in the Big Ten tournament, because they have in the past and very likely could again. 

However, if you are an Ohio State fan do you really want it to come down to that? 

Although tonight will not be the one game that decides if Ohio State gets into the dance, I feel that tonight will give an answer to if OSU gets in. 

Win, and things will turn around enough for Ohio State to be in the field of 65. Lose, and the rest of the season will be a hiccup for the Buckeyes.

Prediction:

Ohio State 63  Penn State 56: OSU sneaks into the dance come Selection Sunday