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5 Big 10 Teams That Could Sneak Into the 2015 NCAA Tournament

5 Big 10 Teams That Could Sneak Into the 2015 NCAA Tournament

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Every year, more than 350 teams around the country begin the season with one primary goal: To make the NCAA Tournament. With conference play underway, teams are sharpening their games and hoping to make enough noise to warrant invites to the Big Dance once the selection committee convenes in late March. Here are five Big 10 teams that could sneak into the NCAA Tournament conversation before all is said and done.

5. Michigan

John Beilein
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5. Michigan

John Beilein
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The Wolverines began the season ranked in the top 25 before suffering through a four-game losing streak that included defeats against NJIT, Eastern Michigan and SMU. Nevertheless, Michigan has rebounded to go 3-2 in league play and currently hold an RPI rating of 85. If the Wolverines can continue to win conference games, they might get back into contention for a trip to the Big Dance.

4. Penn State

Penn State Nittany Lions
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4. Penn State

Penn State
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It’s been a tough start to the conference campaign for Penn State as the Nittany Lions have dropped their first four games in league action. Still, Penn State could be in line for an NCAA bid due to their 12-5 overall record and RPI rating of 75. Needless to say, Penn State will need to start winning some games in conference play for that possibility to become a reality.

3. Illinois

Illinois Fighting Illini
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3. Illinois

Illinois Fighting Illini
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The Fighting Illini have had a slow start to conference play at 1-3. Nevertheless, Illinois has a strong RPI rating of 54 and a victory over league contender Maryland on their resume. If the Illini can sharpen their game and win more than nine conference contests, they figure to be a solid bet to reach the NCAAs.

2. Iowa

Iowa Hawkeyes
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2. Iowa

Iowa Hawkeyes
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Iowa has experienced a few disappointing losses so far during the 2014-15 campaign. But the Hawkeyes also have a road win over North Carolina, a 12-5 overall record and a solid RPI ranking of 47. If Iowa continues their current pace, they’ll likely qualify for the NCAAs for a second straight time under coach Fran McCaffery.

1. Indiana

Tom Crean
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1. Indiana

Tom Crean
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The Hoosiers missed the NCAA Tournament last season with a young team. Those days must seem like a distant memory for Tom Crean’s team, however, as Indiana currently sits at 13-4 overall, 3-1 in Big 10 play and are sitting at 47 in the RPI rankings. If all goes according to plan, expect Indiana to make a return to the Big Dance in 2014-15.

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