Buckeyes escape with win

I will say, that was a scary game. But the Buckeyes did what top teams do...they made the plays late in a tight game and won their 9th straight game, 63-56.

Purdue, as I wrote earlier this week, is no slouch. They BURIED Michigan State earlier in the week and nearly knocked off Wisconsin on their home floor.

But the Buckeyes would be ready for the Boilermakers. At least they were ready when it mattered the most. Purdue gave them a hell of a battle, actually leading the Buckeyes with 5 minutes to play.

Down the stretch, Ohio State's defense got tough. The Buckeyes allowed only one field goal over the final five minutes of the game, keeping Purdue from the upset win. The Buckeyes outscored the Boilermakers 13-5 to close the game.

Purdue is scary. They'll most likely sweep their final five games and get into the Big Dance. I'll expect to see them as an 8 or 9 seed, and whoever has the #1 seed in that region had better be prepared for a second-round war.

The next three games for Ohio State will be easy. At Penn State (10-12, 1-8 Big Ten), at Minnesota (9-15, 3-7), and at home against Penn State (10-12, 1-8). These three games will be the opportunity to tune up for the post-season.

Three easy ones, then the battle at home against 4th-ranked Wisconsin. We close the season at archrival Michigan. Then a possible 3-game Big Ten Tournament, followed by a possible 6-game NCAA Tournament.