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With the final games of the regular season taking place this weekend, teams on the bubble of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament will soon find out how much more they need to do to ensure a spot in the bracket.
This isn’t the final chance to impress for those on the fringe of March Madness with conference tournaments next week, but how a team finishes the regular season can dictate the tone for the final days before Selection Sunday. End on a high note and not much is needed in a conference tournament, while ending in a slump could mean a deep run − or even the automatic bid − is the only way to making the field.
There are matchups between teams on the bubble in the latest USA TODAY Sports Bracketology where the mood will be drastically different on the winning and losing side in what are now highly-critical contests. If there are such things as must-win games in the regular season, they’ll take place this weekend. Here are the bubble games that will heavily influence the bubble heading into conference tournament week.
Ohio State at Indiana
Time/TV: Saturday, 3:45 p.m. ET, CBS
A meeting between one team projected to make it − Ohio State − and one just on the outside − Indiana − will make for a thrilling environment inside Assembly Hall. The Buckeyes gutted out a double-overtime win over Nebraska on Tuesday to stay in the field, but their spot can easily be snatched by the Hoosiers. Thanks to some poor late-game decision making, Indiana lost to Oregon. Given how the Hoosiers have found momentum, beating Ohio State could give it a case to jump into the field and push Ohio State out. The last time they faced, it was a back-and-forth affair in January that required overtime with Indiana winning by one point. It could be another close one with major implications on the line.
Ohio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) drives to the basket as Indiana Hoosiers guard Trey Galloway (32) defends during the second half at Value City Arena.
