With less than a month left in the college basketball season before Selection Sunday, at-large spots in the are being battled out in every game. In this segment, I will preview the bubble teams in every major conference and the few mid-majors that hope to have an at large bid. Their chances will be scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 10, with 10 being a near-lock, and 0 meaning almost impossible (without getting the automatic bid).
Indiana
The Hoosiers are currently 6-7 in the Big Ten, following a win against Iowa last night. That 6-7 record puts them in 9th place. Not Good. However, the numbers 4 and 12 teams are all within reach of 2 games. If the Hoosiers can start to win some away games, as crazy as it sounds in the Big Ten they can start to cement their place in the field.
Bubble Score: 6/10
Minnesota
The Golden Gophers are 12-11 overall but have wins against Penn State, Ohio State (x2), and Michigan among others. Led by big man Daniel Oturu this team has been dangerous all season but will have to win a few more big games in the regular season and then make a run in the Big Ten Tournament.
Bubble Score: 3/10
Wisconsin
The Badgers come in at 14-10 and 7th in the Big Ten at 7-6. The Badgers have many high quality wins, Marquette, Penn State, and Michigan State to name a few. The Badgers stay consistent and win the games they should find their way into the tournament.
Bubble Score: 7/10
Purdue
In my opinion, Purdue at home in Mackey is easily a top 15 team that would be fighting for a 3 or 4 seed in the tournament. However, away from West Lafayette, they wouldn’t even be in consideration for a bubble spot. All that said they have enough quality wins where they should fight there way into the tournament so long as they can maintain a decent enough record.
Bubble Score: 7/10
Locks: Maryland, Michigan State, Penn State
Should Be In: Iowa, Illinois, Rutgers, Michigan, Ohio State
Out Of The Picture: Northwestern, Nebraska