Ohio State graduate transfer Andrew Dakich (13) celebrates after scoring another three pointer in the first half of the game against Maryland on Jan. 11 in the Schottenstein Center. Dakich made three of four three point attempts in the first half aiding Ohio State to a 91-69 win. Credit: Jack Westerheide | Photo Editor
For the first time since 2015, Ohio State’s men’s basketball team was listed in the Associated Press’ top 25 poll.
The Buckeyes checked in at No. 22, a day after beating Rutgers 68-46. Last week, Ohio State received votes last week, just four spots outside of the top 25 in the poll.
Ohio State’s placement in the ranking gave the Big Ten its fourth team in the rankings, joining No. 3 Purdue, No. 9 Michigan State and No. 23 Michigan. Ohio State beat both Michigan State and Michigan, and will travel to West Lafayette, Indiana, on Feb. 7 to play Purdue.
Coming after a year in which Ohio State was just 17-15 overall and 7-11 in Big Ten play, the Buckeyes are well on pace to exceed the 2016-17 results. The team has a 15-4 overall record and is a perfect 6-0 in conference games this season.
The spotless start through six games for Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann is the first time a first-year head coach in the Big Ten has gone this far with a clean slate since former Iowa head coach Tom Davis in the 1986-87 season.
The Buckeyes will look to retain their ranked status when they take on Northwestern in Rosemont, Illinois, at 9 p.m. Wednesday.
