[BIG TEN] Last year, Ohio State was one of the hottest teams in the country over the last month and a half and finished 11-7-3 but didn't get at-large bid to the NCAA Men's Tournament.

This year, the Buckeyes made sure there would be no question about whether they moved into the postseason.

They won the Big Ten Championship for only the second time, beating regular-season champion Indiana, 5-4, on penalty kicks after their game ended 0-0.

"The whole weekend was fantastic. These guys were unbelievable - they deserve all the credit," Ohio State coach John Bluem said. "Last year, we thought we were in the NCAA tournament but didn't get in so it is nice to have that automatic bid. So now, on Nov. 19 when we watch the selection show we will just be waiting to see where we are seeded."

Senior forward Xavier Balc was named the tournament's Most Valuable Offensive Player, while senior goalkeeper Casey Latchem, who notched his school-record 24th-career shutout, earned Most Valuable Defensive Player honors.