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Bracketology 2021: Duke, Michigan State and Houston among biggest losers

By Tristan Freeman

ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the first half of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the first half of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Bracketology Indiana Hoosiers Jordan Geronimo Rutgers Scarlet Knights Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Bracketology Indiana Hoosiers Jordan Geronimo Rutgers Scarlet Knights Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana Hoosiers (9-8, 4-6)

The margin between making the NCAA Tournament and barely missing it can be incredibly slim. And in the case of Indiana, a made shot at the end of regulation. This team had a big matchup at home against Illinois and while it was a hard-fought game all night, the Hoosiers had the chance to win in regulation and in overtime.

The Illini prevailed, 75-71. Trayce Jackson-Davis had another great game with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while fellow forward Race Thompson had 18 points and eight rebounds, In the end though, it ends up being another close loss and a missed opportunity for the Hoosiers, who are now just one game overall over .500. They’re 2-7 versus Quad 1 opponents and still is looking for another signature win to pair with Iowa.

What makes this loss to Illinois even more disappointing is that this isn’t the first heartbreaker for Indiana Basketball this season. They lost in the non-conference to Florida State in overtime in controversial fashion, while also losing at a top-10 Wisconsin team in double-OT over a month ago. The lone win for the Hoosiers in extra time came against Penn State, which doesn’t amount to much for the resume.

Had Indiana beating one of those ranked teams in overtime, their resume would look drastically different. Now currently, they’re clearly on the cut-line and could go even further down if they lose to Iowa on Sunday. There still are plenty of big games left for them but the Hoosiers need to start finding ways to win them, whether in regulation or overtime.

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