Okay everyone it's time to play our favorite game: in or out? Which teams will receive a bid to the NCAA Tournament's field of 65?
Michigan:
Record: (15-10) Overall, (5-7) Big Ten
Remaining Schedule: @ Northwestern, Minnesota, @ Iowa, Purdue, @ Wisconsin, @ Minnesota
Key Wins: UCLA, Duke,
Bad Losses: None
IN OR OUT?
PJ: IN. In my opinion they have shown the ability to hang tough with good teams, and in some cases even beat them. They haven't had a loss to a significantly bad team, but they could play better on the road consistently.
Dustin:OUT. This team certainly has talent but they are 2-7 in their last nine games. Lack of a true center has hurt Michigan down the stretch, as big men have been the difference in close games lately (Uconn, and Ohio State to name a few). Michigan has an opportunity to get in but they need to win four of their last six, and win at least one in the Big Ten Tournament.
Boston College:
Record: (18-8) Overall, (6-5) ACC
Remaining Schedule: Duke, @ Miami, Florida State, @ NC State, Georgia Tech
Key Wins: @ North Carolina
Bad Losses: Harvard, St. Louis
IN OR OUT?
PJ: IN. As of today I would say BC is on the outside looking in. But they have opportunities coming up vs. Duke and @ Miami, I believe they'll be able to win at least one of these two games, then win three in a row to close out the season, and likely solidify a spot with a win in the first round of the ACC Tourney. BC has shown they can hang around with any team (they led Wake and Clemson at halftime) and their ability to play consitant over the course of 40 minutes will ultimately dictate whether or not they make it to the big dance.
Dustin: IN. Boston College's win over North Carolina was huge. Losses to Harvard, and St. Louis are disgraceful, but B.C has won five or their last seven, and are six and five in a tough ACC. Another quality win would be nice, but B.C. has some opportunities coming up with Duke and at Miami. B.C. has played well in big games, so they'll win one of those two, giving them a NCAA tournament birth.
Georgetown:
Record: (13-9) Overall, (4-7) Big East
Remaining Schedule: @ Syracuse, @ South Florida, Marquette, Louisville, @ Villanova, @ St. Johns, DePaul
Key Wins: Memphis, Syracuse, @ UConn
Bad Losses: Seton Hall, Cincinnati (2)
IN OR OUT?
PJ: OUT. The Hoyas have played well in their three big wins and they certainly have the potential to beat any team in the country but they have been extremely inconsistent which in my opinion has led to their demise. Losing to Cincinnati twice, Seton Hall, and West Virginia adds up to four losses to teams that likely won't be in the tournament. But they are a strong team with prior experience, which will definitely make a difference for them down the stretch of the next few weeks. If they can win 5 of their next 7 and close out conference play at (8-9) then I think they'll qualify, especially if they win their Big East Tourney first round game.
Dustin:OUT. Georgetown had a great start to the season but have lost six of their last seven. They have tough games coming up, at Syracuse, Marquette, Louisville, and at Villanova. I don't see them stealing any of those games. Assuming they win their other games they would end up 16-13. A record like that can only lead to the NIT, even with a schedule as difficult as Georgetown has played this year.
Providence:
Record: (15-9) Overall, (7-5) Big East
Remaining Schedule: Rutgers, @ Louisville, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, @ Rutgers, @ Villanova
Key Wins: Syracuse
Bad Losses: Baylor
IN OR OUT?
PJ: IN. Providence has one big win vs. Syracuse and one bad loss to Baylor. They lost to a Northeastern team that may very well make the Tourney so I would discount that. Through all of this they have held their own in what has shaped up to be the 2nd best conference in college basketball (behind the ACC). They've beaten the teams they should, and hung around against the teams that are better (besides a blowout loss at UConn). They have a key part of their schedule coming up and during this stretch run if they can maintain the 6th spot in the Big East then they should be all set for the big dance.
Dustin:OUT. Providence has had a surprising year with a seven and five record in what many consider the best conference in basketball. However, their only key win came versus a Syracuse team which has struggled of late, losing five of their last seven. With their tough remaining schedule, they're looking at two wins (Rutgers, at home and on the road), leaving them 17-13. They could sneak in if they can beat Notre Dame, but they too will be fighting for their tournament lives, leaving Providence on the outside looking in.
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