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2023 Bracketology: Kentucky, Indiana, and Texas Tech among week’s biggest winners

By Tristan Freeman

Feb 18, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe (34) walks off the court after the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe (34) walks off the court after the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Northwestern’s Chase Audige 221204 Msu Northwestern Bball 124a /

Northwestern Wildcats

My last Bracketology piece came out the prior Sunday morning, hours before Northwestern tipped off against No. 1 Purdue. After surviving 4 out of a 6-game road trip, the Wildcats were on the right side of the bubble. But with home games against Purdue and Indiana, they could’ve either gotten back on the bubble or become safely in the field.

The result was the latter, starting with a court-storming 64-58 home win over the Boilermakers. Boo Buie had 26 points, including several key baskets down the stretch to keep the lead for them. Chase Audige had 15 points and while the frontcourt all combined for nine points, did a great job collectively on Zach Edey.

They followed that up with another home win later in the week, this time to Indiana. They held on for the 64-62 victory, thanks to 21 points and six rebounds from Buie, along with 12 points from Robbie Beran. That gives Northwestern two quality Quad 1 victories in the last seven days and has all but clinched a ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

Now, the Wildcats can look ahead to building its resume for an even higher seed. They remain at home against Iowa, before going on the road to take on Illinois. More importantly, barring an 0-5 run down the stretch, the 2nd-place Big Ten team is now safely in the field.

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