Checking in on Illinois men’s college basketball teams
Illinois (22-8)
Chances of making the NCAA Tournament: Strong as the stock market.
The lowdown: The Illini have struggled against elite teams this season, falling to Marquette, Tennessee and Purdue (twice), but they have been good against everyone else and have clinched the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament. Another shot at Purdue in the league tourney final would be fun. A No. 4 seed in the NCAAs looks likely.
Northwestern (20-10)
Chances of making the NCAA Tournament: Bet on it.
The lowdown: Injuries to Ty Berry, Ryan Langborg and Matthew Nicholson have weakened the Wildcats, but it’s hard to see them not making the NCAA Tournament even if they don’t garner another victory. They might get a double-bye in the league tournament, and could be around an 8-9 seed in the NCAAs.
Loyola (22-8)
Chances of making the NCAA Tournament: No guarantees, but within reach.
The lowdown: The Ramblers are back. They are in second place (13-3) in their new conference, the Atlantic 10, a big improvement from last year, their first in the league. Their victory over ranked Dayton had Gentile Arena rocking and showed they are for real. Still, the Ramblers might need to win the A-10 tourney to earn an NCAA berth.
DePaul (3-27)
Chances of making the NCAA Tournament: Yeah, right.
The lowdown: The Blue Demons have gone about as low as a team can go. They fired coach Tony Stubblefield at midseason. They’ve lost their last 18 games, are 0-19 in the Big East and rarely keep games within double digits. They’re buried in the basement of the Big East, and it’s hard to see how they get out anytime soon.
Northern Illinois (10-20)
Chances of making the NCAA Tournament: Slim to none.
The lowdown: The Huskies have a win over DePaul, but they still are trying to dig out of the morass left by former coach Mark Montgomery. The Huskies are grateful that Buffalo is keeping them out of last place in the MAC, but the Convo Center still is not a happening place. They’re a long way from their glory days at Chick Evans Field House.
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