Chris Holtmann hints injuries could keep Ohio State out of NIT

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ magical run through the Big Ten Tournament came to an end on Saturday when they fell to the league’s top team Purdue. The Boilermakers, led by star big man Zach Edey disposed of the Buckeyes 80-66, ending their improbable quest to secure an NCAA tournament bid.

With Ohio State’s 16-19 record on the year, it is implausible they will earn a bid to the big dance. But Ohio State still has a chance at receiving an invitation to the NIT. However, according to the Buckeyes head coach Chris Holtmann, a chance to play in the NIT might be in jeopardy too.

“I have thought about it,” said Holtmann. “We have some injuries beyond kind of what’s public that make it difficult right now, to be quite honest with you, that we have to really get — we have to get some of our guys back. They’re not significant, but they need to be tended to, and they need some time off. So that might answer your question.”

Injuries have impacted Ohio states regular season this year, and now they also look to affect the Buckeyes’ postseason. Although fans would love to see the Buckeyes continue their journey into the postseason, If the team is not healthy enough to play, don’t expect Holtmann to put his players in jeopardy.

Holtmann says ‘it was clearly the right decision’ for Brice Sensabaugh to sit against Spartans

Ohio State star freshman forward Brice Sensabaugh was ruled out ahead of Friday’s Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal matchup against fourth-seeded Michigan State. Sensabaugh — the Buckeyes’ leading scorer (16.3 points per game) and a projected first-round NBA Draft pick — was sidelined with knee soreness. Sensabaugh collided with Iowa guard Tony Perkins in the second round of the league tournament the previous day and didn’t play the final 3:17 of the upset victory over the Hawkeyes.

“Brice, late in the game last night, or yesterday, he said, ‘Hey, Coach, I need to come out,’” Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann recalled postgame Friday. “I thought he was fatigued. Then we took him to the bench, and then we found out his knee was bothering him.”

Holtmann continued: “He was evaluated by our medical staff. They decided, rightly and smartly, to keep him out for the rest of the game. There might have been five minutes to go at that point. Kept him out the rest of the game. Evaluated him last night, our medical staff, evaluated him again this morning. And he’s getting testing done tonight.”