Gophers look to improve on record of Big Ten teams in NCAA

Despite having severe difficulties in the past two NCAA tournaments, limping to a 3-11 record, the Big Ten is likely to be well represented in this year's big dance.

- Clem Haskins
Minnesota men's basketball coach

"We feel really good about (clinching a tie for the Big Ten title)," Minnesota coach Clem Haskins said. "We still have some unfinished business, though, and we must remain focused on each game to continue our success."

Beyond the Golden Gophers, however, the picture becomes very clouded.

Purdue, the second-place team in the conference, has been very successful during the Big Ten season with a 10-5 record, but the Boilermakers' non-conference record may be a sticking point when the selection committee makes its picks on Mar. 9.

Purdue lost to Oklahoma, Texas Christian and Bowling Green in the early season and has a mediocre 15-10 record. Nevertheless, the Boilermakers will probably be dancing in March.

Wisconsin (16-7, 9-5), the third-place team in the Big Ten, looked to have no chance at a postseason bid in mid-January. But the Badgers have won five straight, including wins over Purdue, Illinois and Michigan.

If Wisconsin can win three of its last four games, it will probably be invited to the tournament. If not, the Badgers will watch it on the tube.

Iowa (18-8, 9-5) has been struggling since beginning the Big Ten season with five straight wins. The Hawkeyes, the Big Ten's fourth-place team, have lost three of their last five, but a strong finish in the remaining four games would probably cement a position in the field of 64.

For Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, the Big Ten's three remaining teams on the tournament bubble, the last few games will play a major role. Illinois, following Tuesday's win over Penn State, has a 19-8, 9-6 record. The Illini likely will benefit from being the only conference team to beat Minnesota.

Illinois coach Lon Kruger said every game is important.

"We'll go into each of the next three feeling like we need one more," he said. "Regardless of what happens, that's the only healthy way to look at it. A lot of teams in the Big Ten have gotten into real good position to earn a bid."

For Indiana (21-8, 8-7) and Michigan (17-9, 7-7) it will be much of the same. The Hoosiers and the Wolverines can take pride in their impressive non-conference records, but Big Ten play has not been as kind.

As for Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State and Northwestern, the bubble has burst. There will be no dance. There will be no party.

A few more teams are certain to fall off the bubble, as well, before things are all said and done.