The Big Ten Tournament certainly helped Rutgers basketball’s case for an NCAA Tournament bid. Their slight rise in the NET Rankings a testament to the program’s need to win at least one game in the conference tournament.
Rutgers has now jumped several spots following their second round win over Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament. And while they took a slight drop following Friday’s loss, it is still very good news for Rutgers overall.
In the NET Rankings update following Friday’s games, Rutgers still has their head above water and in a good spot for selection. Given that the NET Rankings are an important metric for NCAA Tournament selection and seeding, this is big news for the program.
The win over Michigan saw Rutgers climb to No. 38 in the NET Rankings. Now following Friday’s 70-65 loss to Purdue, the top seed in the Big Ten Tournament, the Scarlet Knights dropped two spots to sit at No. 40.
Also, consider the Quad 1 and Quad 2 wins, where Rutgers is a combined 10-10. No. 34 Illinois, for example, a combined 10-12 against Quad 1 and Quad 2 programs and the Illini are considered a near lock to make the NCAA Tournament.
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No. 41 Northwestern, also considered a lock for the NCAA Tournament, are 11-11 against Quad 1 and Quad 2 opposition.
No. 30 Maryland, also considered a lock for the NCAA Tournament, is 9-12 against the same competition.
Most importantly for Rutgers, the perception of the program as an NCAA Tournament team is back following a win over Michigan, a fellow bubble program. That Rutgers beat Michigan and then ran close with Purdue (down by one point at halftime and leading midway through the second half) are good eyeball tests for the Scarlet Knights to pass ahead of Selection Sunday.
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