Joe Lunardi discusses Michigan's path to NCAA Tournament

Thursday night’s game against Illinois has some major implications for Michigan. Not only are the Wolverines in the thick of the Big Ten race — much like the Fighting Illini and virtually every other team in the league — but they’re also fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives.

ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi said next week’s conference tournament could be huge for Michigan’s hopes of dancing. A lot depended on what happened Thursday, a game in which the Wolverines trailed 33-31 at halftime in Champaign.

“I think, minimally, the Wolverines need more ‘up’ wins, meaning teams better than they are already in the field,” Lunardi said at halftime of Thursday’s game. “Tonight would be one. They certainly could get one or more in Chicago next week at the Big Ten Tournament. If they lose tonight, then I think it doubles their workload at the Big Ten tourney and we know how difficult those games are to win in a back-to-back kind of situation.”

The Big Ten could be looking at nine bids to the big dance, according to Lunardi’s latest Bracketology. However, multiple teams are on the border, which is why Michigan vs. Illinois and Wisconsin vs. Purdue are so important as Selection Sunday gets closer. Wisconsin is one of Lunardi’s last four in while the Michigan is in the first four out and Penn State is one of the next four out.

“Look, the Big Ten is incredibly tight at the bubble,” Lunardi said. “Tonight, five teams clustered right around the cut line all playing — three of them are Big Ten teams. They simply can’t all make it. Wisconsin and Michigan, in particular, facing maybe not must-wins, but awfully close.”

The regular season wraps up this weekend, and teams will converge on Chicago next week for the conference tournament, which runs from March 8-12 at the United Center.