I had meant to write this blog over a week ago, but it remains true. Michigan can start preparing for the NIT. They will not be invited to the NCAA tournament, and only winning the Big Ten tournament will get them an invite. They have a couple of fantastic out-of-conference wins against UCLA and Duke, but they haven't done enough (anything) in conference play to warrant an invite. They have lost 5 of 6, and stand at 8th in the Big Ten with a 4-6 record. Oh, and after Penn State tonight, their next two games are at #1 UConn and vs. #13 Michigan State. Things are not looking good for the Maize and Blue in the near future, and they don't look great on the tournament resume. Here it is:
Record: 13-8 (4-6 Big Ten)
RPI Rank: 58
Strength of Schedule: 21st
vs. Top 25: 2-4
vs. Top 50: 3-6
Road/Neutral: 3-6
Conference RPI Rank: 2
Besides the two marquee wins, Michigan doesn't have much else to stand on. Now if they beat Penn State, UConn, and Michigan State this whole entry will be voided and Michigan will be in a good position to receive an invite. It's just unlikely. And a loss to Penn State tonight will eliminate any chance. Weeks ago I tried to tell the Michigan fans it was crazy to think their invitation was sealed, and they are now beginning to realize that. It will be an uphill climb for the Wolverines to make the big boy tournament field.
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