Ohio State Women’s Basketball on Track for NCAA Tournament as No. 4 Seed

Ohio State University’s women’s basketball team could be a fourth seed in the upcoming NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship if current rankings hold. However, the selection committee’s rankings are fluid, with just four weeks remaining before the bracket is announced.

Current Ranking and Regional Placement

As of the NCAA Tournament selection committee’s initial ranking announcement on February 16, 2025, Ohio State stands at No. 14 overall. While this does not lock them into a fourth-seed role, it puts them in good standing for the final calculations.

NCAA DI Women’s Basketball Top 16 Reveal.#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/5bfJT8CzQs

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) February 16, 2025

If Ohio State stays within the top 16, they would be assigned to Region 2 in Birmingham, Alabama. Notably, the region includes the top-seeded Texas, No. 2 UConn, and No. 3 North Carolina.

Key Performance Indicators

The Buckeyes currently sit ninth in the AP Top 25 with a 21-3 season record. However, their position in the rankings may be influenced by the committee’s consideration of the team’s schedule. Ohio State did not face any ranked opponents during non-conference play and has only one victory over a ranked team (Maryland).

This strength of schedule might be the deciding factor in whether Ohio State moves up the rankings. The committee values consistency, competitiveness, and the overall quality of a team’s schedule.

Big Ten Representation

Ohio State is part of a strong Big Ten contingent in the current top 16, with UCLA and USC also making the cut. Three teams from the same conference vying for top positioning highlights the competitive nature of collegiate basketball.

Three B1G teams in the Top 16 #BracketPreview #B1GWBBall pic.twitter.com/XjNcmkrPND

— Big Ten Women’s Basketball (@B1Gwbball) February 16, 2025

Home Court Advantage

Achieving a top-four seed not only secures Ohio State a favorable position in the tournament but also allows them to host their first and second-round games at the Schottenstein Center. This is a significant advantage, giving the Buckeyes familiarity with the surroundings and the opportunity to rally their home crowd.

To maintain or improve their standing, Ohio State must finish the season strongly. They face Iowa on Monday at Noon on FOX, Indiana on Thursday at 7 PM on Peacock, and conclude with a matchup against Purdue next Sunday at Noon on the Big Ten Network.

Conclusion and Outlook

Ohio State’s journey to the NCAA Tournament will be pivotal in the coming weeks. With opportunities to boost their résumé against key opponents, the Buckeyes have a chance to secure a fourth seed and stay in contention for the tournament’s biggest prizes. As the bracket draw looms, every win brings Ohio State closer to claiming their spot on the national stage.

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