Here they are. Today’s three most consequential contests.
Milwaukee @ Northern Kentucky (12 PM Central)
Northern Kentucky isn’t really at risk of losing this one—or at least, we don’t think they are. The Norse are banged up, though, and with the Horizon League regular season race looking like a tight one between NKU and Wright State, they need to find a way today.
Wisconsin @ Tennessee (12:30 PM Central)
Tennessee is sneaking closer and closer to the cut line. Consider them a sleeper at this point. Losing at home to a middling team would, of course, help the cause, but Wisconsin might be trying to avoid that exact result, for fear of building too strong a résumé. On the other hand, though, the Badgers might not be able to afford to finish much below .500: We don’t know how the committee treats sub-.500 teams yet, since the rule allowing them in changed only recently. Early indicators, though, say they don’t treat them well.
Northeastern @ Towson (1:00 PM Central)
It’s very likely the CAA regular season champion ends up in the NIT, given how close the contenders are in quality. With Northeastern and Towson both contenders, this is important.
