The Big Ten conference currently boasts eight teams that are almost guaranteed to participate in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. However, for the conference to achieve a total of ten participating teams, those currently on the cusp will need a strong finish to solidify their positions.
A particular team to note is Indiana, with a current record of 18-11 and 9-9 in conference play. Not too long ago, the team seemed likely to miss the cut, but with an impressive streak—winning four out of their last five games—they’ve placed themselves firmly back into tournament consideration.
On the other hand, Ohio State, which held a more secure spot a couple of weeks back, faced a downturn after dropping three games consecutively. Yet, they did manage to bounce back slightly with an 87-82 victory against USC last Wednesday. Nebraska, meanwhile, witnessed its tournament hopes diminish after three successive losses, the latest being a close defeat to Minnesota, where a late three-pointer from Brennan Rigsby clinched the game. Conversely, Northwestern has returned to the tournament conversation with decisive victories against Ohio State, Minnesota, and Iowa in recent contests.
In the bubble watch section, the spotlight is on North Carolina’s upcoming clash against No. 2 Duke this Saturday. The Tar Heels, who boast a 19-11 record and 12-6 in the ACC, have shown strong form, winning five of their last six. A triumph over their arch-rivals would significantly bolster their chances for a tournament bid. Boise State, currently at 21-8 with a 13-5 performance in the Mountain West, has shown momentum, particularly after an impressive win against Utah State. Their upcoming matches against UNLV and Colorado State will be crucial.
Vanderbilt, who stands at 20-9 and 8-8 in the SEC, embolden their at-large bid with an ongoing three-game winning streak, including a key overtime win against No. 15 Missouri. Securing victories over Arkansas and Georgia, both fellow bubble teams, would further solidify their position before the SEC Tournament.
In terms of key ratings, Villanova’s team (18-12, 11-8 Big East) is on an ascent, having won six of their last eight games. Despite this, their early-season struggles may hinder their chances, leaving them as No. 51 in the NET rankings and fifth in a conference that might only include four teams in the tournament bracket. Cincinnati, with a current standing of 17-12, 7-11 in the Big 12, missed a critical opportunity against Houston recently and needs a strong finish to secure a tournament berth, placed at No. 40 in NET but ninth in the conference standings.
Wake Forest is another team to watch; they stand at 20-9 with a 12-6 ACC record and No. 68 in NET rankings. An upcoming game against No. 2 Duke on Monday could be a pivotal moment in boosting their tournament chances.
