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Michigan on the bubble: College basketball insider weighs in on Wolverines’ chances of making NCAA Tournament
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Michigan enters the Big Ten tournament on the bubble to make the NCAA Tournament.
ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi has Michigan as the No. 73 overall seed in a field of 68 teams, putting the Wolverines in the “Next Four Out” category. Another college basketball insider, however, thinks U-M is much closer to making the tournament. Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports expects Michigan to make the Big Dance.
Rothstein, who has participated in mock selection committees, thinks that the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee will conclude that U-M looks like a tournament team based on recent overtime losses to Illinois and Indiana to end the season. Rothstein said 2 wins in the conference tournament would guarantee a bid for the Wolverines and it would be close if Michigan goes 1-1 in Chicago.
“If you’re good enough to go to Illinois and you’re good enough to go to Indiana and go to overtime, you’re good enough to play in the NCAA Tournament. Gotta beat Rutgers.”
—@JonRothstein on @umichbball pic.twitter.com/YuL1YnhLDu
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 7, 2023
The campaign to secure a spot in the Big Dance starts Thursday. Michigan will play Rutgers at noon ET.
A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.