Bracketology 2021: Georgia Tech, Memphis among week’s biggest losers

Northern Iowa Panthers

In normal years, it has been harder and harder for mid-major programs not named Gonzaga to get an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament. Now imagine losing 4-5 games automatically due to the NCAA rules of a 27-game maximum regular-season schedule. The already slim margin of error lowers more for those talented programs, making these few available multi-team events all the more important.

One of those was the Bad Boy Mowers Crossover Classic, which had six of the eight original participants depart, allowing some talented mid-major programs with a great opportunity. One of those was Northern Iowa, who returned a ton of production from last season’s 25-win squad.

The problem for the Panthers is that they had to go without Trae Berhow, who was the team’s second-leading scorer and rebounding last year. His absence was clearly felt, with the team going 0-3 and ending up in last place in the event.

The defeats itself (Utah State, Western Kentucky, and Saint Mary’s) aren’t too problematic, as none of them will likely end up being bad losses on the resume. But without a win, Northern Iowa has all but eliminated its hopes of getting an at-large bid. Even with Loyola-Chicago expected to be very good this season, the Missouri Valley isn’t good enough to support multiple bids for the NCAA Tournament. and after the Panthers’ struggles, let’s see if the Ramblers can carry the flag.