Purdue.
The Boilers slid past the Illini and into the NCAA Tournament with their second conference tournament title in as many years. Kiki Freeman was the hero, scoring off her own miss just before time expired in the second half for the 58-56 win.
So what does this mean for the Hoosiers' WNIT chances? Well, a variety of things.
1) It virtually guarantees the Big Ten at least four teams in the NCAAs (Purdue, Iowa, Ohio State and Minnesota/Michigan State). If the Tournament takes both of those last two - they're both severely on the bubble right now - then IU gets the automatic WNIT bid as the conference's best team not to make the NCAA Tournament. 2) If that bid does go to the Gophers or Spartans, IU would certainly be a qualified candidate for next in line. BUT, Wisconsin finished the season strong, Michigan's right there and Illinois looks like the most serious contender of the bunch right now (IU probably included) considering they have quality wins (Ohio State twice, Purdue, Minnesota, to name a few) and they're by far the hottest team, coming off a run to the conference title game. It could be tough for the WNIT to overlook the Illini for the Hoosiers. 3) That said, there's nothing stopping the selection of both teams, and I think both would have legitimate cases for their selection. In fact, I don't think it would be a stretch to say both teams are among the best the WNIT could choose. Both will know a week from tomorrow night, after the NCAA selection committee has had it's say - the WNIT picks right after Selection Monday.
So that's that. If you're a Hoosier fan, pray for Minnesota and Michigan State this week. I think the Hoosiers have a good shot, it just comes down to how they compare to Illinois in the eyes of the committee, and - assuming Minnesota/Michigan State drops to the WNIT - how the selectors feel about two at-large teams from the same conference, considering there are only 17 such bids in play.
What do you think? Do the Hoosiers deserve a postseason shot? Would you go see them if they made the WNIT? Note: A trip to the WNIT would be the third straight for IU, a streak dating back to Sharon Versyp's days on the sideline.
