By Ben the Pen, Staff Writer

In a clash of the NIT quarterfinals, the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes are set to take on the No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs on Tuesday night at 7pm ET in Columbus. This matchup promises to be an exciting battle as both teams vie for a spot in the tournament's Final Four.

While Ohio State fans may have initially been focused on spring football practice, the Buckeyes' basketball team has captured attention with their impressive run in the NIT. Under interim coach Jake Diebler, who took over from Chris Holtmann in mid-February, the Buckeyes have seen success on the court, winning five of their last six games.

Ohio State's journey includes a thrilling 88-83 victory over Cornell in the opening game of the tournament, followed by an 81-73 triumph against Virginia Tech. Against the Hokies, Jamison Battle led the way for the Buckeyes with an impressive performance, contributing 21 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.

Battle, a key player since transferring from Minnesota, has emerged as Ohio State's most consistent performer, averaging 14.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Alongside Battle, guard Bruce Thornton has been a leader for the Buckeyes, averaging 16.1 points and 4.3 assists during the regular season.

Although Ohio State has shown resilience under Diebler's guidance, their upcoming matchup against Georgia will be no easy task. The Bulldogs have been on a roll themselves, securing victories over Xavier and Wake Forest in the NIT.

The Bulldogs' success has been fueled by Justin Hill's stellar performances. Hill has averaged 15.3 points per game during the postseason, providing a significant offensive boost for Georgia. Additionally, Noah Thomasson has been a reliable shooter, contributing 13.8 points per game and boasting a 39.3% three-point shooting percentage.

Although Georgia is dealing with some key injuries, with leading rebounder Russell Tchewa expected to make a return, they still pose a challenge for the Buckeyes. Tchewa's presence in the paint and on the boards will be crucial for the Bulldogs, as they aim to overcome Ohio State's strong rebounding presence.

While the Buckeyes have exhibited some vulnerabilities in their previous NIT games, they will need more consistent contributions from players beyond Battle and Thornton to secure a victory against Georgia. With Hill's excellent form and Thomasson's reliable shooting, the Bulldogs are prepared to put up a fierce fight as they strive for a spot in the NIT Final Four.

The tip-off between Ohio State and Georgia is set for 7pm ET at the Columbus venue, offering fans an exciting showdown between these two talented teams. Only time will tell which team will emerge triumphant and advance to the next stage of the NIT tournament.