FanHouse BillCarmody

In 2008, the Big Ten sent only four teams to the NCAA tournament. None reached the Elite Eight The Big Ten toiled down with mid-majors in conference RPI and were nationally maligned as the "Average 11." This past season, however, the league enjoyed a resurgence. It ranked only behind the ACC in conference RPI. Seven schools earned a berth into the NCAA tournament, and Penn State won the NIT. Michigan State toppled the defending national champions and two number one seeds en route to a national runner-up finish.

The Northwestern Wildcats started the year as the only team in a BCS conference to have never made an NCAA tournament. After Thursday afternoon's loss to Minnesota, they will end the year in the same spot.

As for Minnesota, their ticket should be punched. They are now 22-9, with an RPI hovering around 40. If the Gophers really want to nail down their first tourney berth since 2005, they could upset Michigan State Friday, though that doesn't seem likely or necessary.

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