Wil be interesting to see if either team from Mississippi makes it. I think MSU could get in at 9-9, but they have 6 conference losses already and still have OM, @ LSU, UK, @ Auburn, @ A&M and South Carolina remaining. Can they win 3 of those? Not sure they would get in again at 8-10.
So, does the Selection Committee factor conference tournament games? A win or two there on a neutral floor might get us some high-value wins.
I was born across the river in Davenport. Lived in Moline until the age of 13, when we moved to Naples. Have a few friends from my elementary/junior high days who graduated from Moline. My Mom was an E. Moline (United Township) grad. Dad was Rock Island.
As a child during the 70s, I attended several Moline HS basketball games at Wharton Field House. It's an old school hoops venue kinda like the FL gym. Heard the Illini marching band in that venue, which had a lasting impact. Basketball was def a big part of the culture. I had a hoop on the garage and shot baskets every day as a kid.
We have to prove that we can win our quad 1 games. Tomorrow is huge for us. Let's just take down Auburn and extend our home streak against them for at least 3 decades.