NCAA Tournament March Madness

#114 Northern Iowa

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Projection: likely out

Northern Iowa has struggled to make a strong case for NCAA tournament inclusion due to a combination of inconsistent performances and a lackluster record against quality opponents. Their losses to teams like UC Irvine and North Texas highlight significant challenges against higher-ranked competition, while a narrow defeat against Wichita State suggests an inability to capitalize in tight matchups. Wins over teams like WI Milwaukee and Belmont showcase their potential, but those victories are offset by disappointing losses, such as their defeat to Valparaiso, who sits well below them in the rankings. Upcoming games against mid-tier opponents like Drake and Bradley will provide opportunities to bolster their resume, but they must be careful not to drop any easy contests against teams like Indiana State or Missouri State if they hope to stay relevant in the selection conversation.

Date Opponent Ranking Outcome
11/7WI Milwaukee143W87-68
11/10UC Irvine48L80-60
11/14@Wichita St157L79-73
11/19W Illinois342W82-56
11/28(N)North Texas66L68-48
11/29(N)St Bonaventure91L68-56
12/4@IL Chicago126W83-56
12/7N Illinois358W101-57
12/13NE Omaha207W78-58
12/16Montana223W104-76
12/21(N)Washington St82L76-68
12/29S Illinois209W78-67
1/1Belmont148W76-70
1/4@Valparaiso214L80-73
1/8Murray St129L71-68
1/11@Illinois St138W85-84
1/14Evansville272W73-56
1/18@S Illinois209L73-49
1/21Missouri St256W79-68
1/25@Indiana St22753%
1/29@Drake7441%
2/2Bradley7249%
2/5@Missouri St25655%
2/8Illinois St13855%
2/11Indiana St22761%
2/16@Murray St12947%
2/19@Belmont14848%
2/23Drake7449%
2/26IL Chicago12655%
3/2@Bradley7241%