The college basketball teams in Ohio are ranked 1-12.
With the college basketball season coming to an end, I thought it would be a good time to rank the numerous basketball teams in Ohio. Quite a few teams have been struggling of lately and it looks like only two teams from the state may make it to the big dance.
1. Xavier (24-4): It may have been the best team in the state last year as well, if it weren't for the heroics of Ron Lewis. I thought that this team was going to be great and it hasn't disappointed me. With the guard combination of Drew Lavender and Stanley Burrell, the X-men may go all the way to the Final Four.
2. Kent State (23-5): The Golden Flashes look to be the only other team in the tournament as of now, but they need to keep it going. They are in prime position for a MAC championship, which features several Ohio teams. The win over St. Mary's proves they are legit. Three Ohio schools finish out their regular season schedule.
3. Findlay (24-3): I know this comes as a shock to you all, but that is how badly the other teams have dropped. The Oilers are one of the top 10 teams in Division II and are the No. 2 seed right now in the Great Lakes Region, which I think is the best in the country in D-II. Remember this team beat Ohio State in exhibition play, which is why they are ranked here.
4. Akron (19-8): This is taking into consideration that Jeremiah Wood missed four and a half games, costing the Zips two games. Games with both Ohio and Kent St. will determine their fate in the state. They need to win the MAC tournament to get in the NCAA's.
5. Ohio State (17-11): The Buckeyes have been struggling mightily lately, but they haven't really been blown out in many games. The lack of major impact players has cost them, especially with Othello Hunter not having the season he is capable of. OSU is in big trouble as far as the NCAA's go and it needs a big showing in the Big 10 tournament.
6. Ohio (18-9): Despite the nice comeback over George Mason, the Bobcats have hit the skids as well lately. Sean Williams and Bubba Dickerson are solid, but man could they use Jeremy Fears, who has fallen off the map after leaving the school. Another team that needs to win the MAC to have any chance.
7. Wright State (20-8): Don't buy into this team's record too much. The Raiders have escaped with victories numerous times this season. While they will be in most games because of their style, they probably won't find a tourney bid. Butler stands in their way in the Horizon tournament.
8. Dayton (17-9): The Flyers should be No. 2 on this list, but the injuries and inconsistencies have killed them. Brian Roberts has had to do it himself the past month. If they can get healthy in a hurry, there is a chance for a deep run in a good A-10. They did beat Pittsburgh and Louisville when they were healthy.
9. Miami (13-13): I saw the Redhawks and the beginning of the year and I thought they would be competing in the MAC. They just haven't found enough offense to get the job done.
10. Bowling Green (12-14): Don't know much about the team, except it has the next best record.
11. Toledo (8-17): The Rockets have looked better in conference play after a bad non-con season. I am surprised that they are this bad after normally being in the MAC race.
12. Youngstown State (9-17): The Penguins get the low mark, although they look to have some decent talent at times.