emOhio State basketball: A tale of two seasons/em

This season has been a tale of two seasons for Ohio State basketball. They started off 15-3, with wins over then-No. 1 Purdue and No. 2 Tennessee. They looked like they were going to be one of the best teams in the country.
But then they hit a rough patch, losing six of their next seven games. They looked like they were going to miss the NCAA Tournament.
But they've since turned things around, winning their last four games. They're now 20-7 and in good position to make the NCAA Tournament.
So what's the difference between the Ohio State team that started the season and the Ohio State team that's playing now?
I think there are a few things.
First, the team is healthier now. Zed Key, their starting center, missed the first six games of the season with a shoulder injury. He's back now and he's been a big difference-maker.
Second, the team is more experienced now. They have a lot of young players who are still learning how to play at the college level. But they're starting to figure it out.
Third, the team is more confident now. They've been through some tough times this season, but they've come out of it stronger. They believe in themselves and they know they can win.
Ohio State is still a long way from being a national title contender. But they're heading in the right direction. If they can stay healthy and keep playing with confidence, they could be a dangerous team in the NCAA Tournament.
Here are some of the key players for Ohio State this season:
* Brice Sensabaugh: The freshman guard is the team's leading scorer and one of the best young players in the country.
* Zed Key: The senior center is a force in the paint and one of the best defenders in the Big Ten.
* Justice Sueing: The junior forward is a versatile player who can score inside and out.
* Sean McNeil: The senior guard is a sharpshooter who can provide a scoring boost off the bench.
* Isaac Likekele: The senior guard is a defensive specialist who can also contribute on offense.
Ohio State's schedule is tough down the stretch. They have games against Michigan, Illinois, and Purdue remaining. But if they can finish strong, they could earn a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.
I'm excited to see what the future holds for Ohio State basketball. I think they have the potential to be a special team.