$5 Reasons Why Illinois Fighting Illini Won\'t Make the 2015 NCAA Tournament$

5 Reasons Why Illinois Fighting Illini Won't Make the 2015 NCAA Tournament

By RantSports Staff

Reasons Why Illinois Fighting Illini Won't Make the 2015 NCAA Tournament

Illinois Basketball — The Illinois Fighting Illini could use a very strong finish. We could say that about every other bubble team, though. Currently, Illinois is on the outside looking in, which is where we are predicting it to finish.

Read on to check out those five reasons why.

5. Missed Opportunities Down the Stretch

Illinois Basketball

5. Missed Opportunities Down the Stretch

Illinois Basketball — Sure, Illinois is on a two-game winning streak, but those two wins have come against opponents the Fighting Illini should have beaten. Unfortunately, it is the three games before that really matter. Illinois played Wisconsin, Michigan State and Iowa in back-to-back-to-back games and couldn't manage a single win.

4. Not In Joe Lunardi’s Bracket

Illinois Basketball

4. Not In Joe Lunardi’s Bracket

Illinois Basketball — Not only that, but the Fighting Illini are one of Lunardi's "Next Four" teams out. They definitely have a lot of work to do if they plan on dancing.

3. Tied For 7th In the Big 10 Standings

Illinois Basketball

3. Tied For 7th In the Big 10 Standings

Illinois Basketball — The Big Ten is one of the best conferences in college hoops this season, and Illinois has suffered from that. It has a conference record of 9-8, which doesn't exactly scream best team in the conference.

2. A Loss Against Purdue Would Be Crippling

Illinois Basketball

2. A Loss Against Purdue Would Be Crippling

Illinois Basketball — We are thinking ahead here. Illinois and Purdue will meet up for the final game of the regular season. We are predicting the Fighting Illini to lose that game on the road, which would be a crippling loss. After all, bubble teams can't afford to lose right now. Plus, the Boilermakers are a fellow bubble team.

1. Other Bubble Teams in Big Ten

Illinois Basketball

1. Other Bubble Teams in Big Ten

Illinois Basketball — Purdue and Indiana are also on the bubble. Unfortunately for Illinois, both teams would more than likely be in the tournament if the season ended today. Translation: The Fighting Illini have to pass up at least one of those teams.

Right now, Illinois is out. Let's talk if it actually takes down Purdue.

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Illinois Fighting Illini

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