Three Keys as Buckeyes open Big Ten Tournament against Penn State

COLUMBUS — Ohio State knows the Big Ten Tournament isn’t what it will be judged by.

No, that will come next week and beyond in the NCAA Tournament.

Last year was the perfect example when the Buckeyes won three games in three days, nearly won the Big Ten Tournament and then lost in a historic and stunning first-round upset of the Big Dance. Hard to remember the conference tournament if it’s followed up by an upset loss.

So the Buckeyes fully understand the Big Ten Tournament won’t be the barometer on this season’s success or lack thereof. They do, however, have goals to accomplish this weekend in Indianapolis, and that all starts Thursday at approximately 9 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, when they’ll open the league tournament against Penn State.

Sure, Ohio State would love to win games and claim a championship. But as long as the Buckeyes are playing well heading into the NCAA Tournament next weekend, they’ll feel good moving forward.

“There’s a reality of that,” Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann said. “The NCAA Tournament is what is most remembered about your season. Maybe there’s a couple games during your season that people remember, the Duke game for us or a disappointing loss. But the NCAA Tournament, in so many ways, is really what people reflect on. …

“The idea with this is I’d like to get a little bit healthier and I’d like to just play a little better. Those are the two things, whatever comes out of this week in preparation for next week.”

Lettermen Row is tipping off its postseason coverage as the Buckeyes try to make a deep run in March. And we’re breaking down Three Keys for a second-round win over Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament.

Buckeyes need improved defensive effort

This has not been a good year for Ohio State defensively. The Buckeyes check in at No. 122 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, according to KenPom. But they have played two of their better defensive games of the season in the two matchups with the Nittany Lions. Can they make it a third? That’s not going to be easy. Penn State had three players in double figures Wednesday night in its win over Minnesota, and they’re playing well, nearly knocking off Illinois and Rutgers late in the season. The Buckeyes haven’t had a good season on the defensive end. But if they can show progress on that end of the floor against Penn State, there’s reason to believe they can go deep in the Big Ten Tournament this weekend and NCAA Tournament later this month.

Healthy Zed Key can bolster Ohio State

Ohio State already knows it will be without senior forward Kyle Young for the second-round matchup Thursday night. He is still dealing with lingering concussion issues. But the Buckeyes are still waiting on an answer when it comes to fellow forward Zed Key, who is currently a game-time decision. Key missed time due to an ankle injury, and after playing minutes against Michigan in the regular-season finale, he re-aggravated the ankle. Is he healthy enough to play? If yes, he’ll need to come up big. If no, Joey Brunk can continue his impressive stretch of basketball with a good showing in the Big Ten Tournament.

Star power must show up for Buckeyes in postseason play

After losing their final four regular season games last year, the Buckeyes made a deep Big Ten Tournament run, and nearly won it, due to Duane Washington Jr. and E.J. Liddell taking postseason games over. Don’t be surprised if the star power on the Ohio State roster does it again. Liddell is back for his second Big Ten Tournament, and conference freshman of the year Malaki Branham has shown he can carry the Buckeyes to wins. Of course, the role players and other starters will need to pitch in for a deep run this March. But on the biggest stage in the league, the superstar duo for Ohio State needs to come up big — against Penn State and beyond.