Buckeyes Headed to the Apple

The Ohio State Buckeyes are heading to New York City. And it's actually for the second time this season. After starting the season with an appearance in the finals of the NIT, the Buckeyes are going to the semifinals of the post-season NIT. After trailing by a point at intermission to state-rival Dayton, the Buckeyes flexed their muscle for the second 20 minutes and rolled to a convincing 74-63 win over the Flyers.

This brings me to a question. Is it better to win the NIT or just make the NCAA? I mean look at the extra days of practice Thad Matta is getting with his relatively young squad by this run in the post-season NIT. A chance to win a ring and say you claimed a championship. Obviously, this post-season run pales in comparion to last year's but let's face it, the 2007-08 squad doesn't feature three first-round NBA picks either. So, I think Buckeye fans have to be pleased with the results.

Another thing this does for me is prove that Thad Matta is one of the best coaches in the nation. And with William Buford, B.J. Mullens and Noopy Crater on the way, someone had better take note of this team for next year.