Bracketology 2023: 10 teams that MUST win on Thursday to avoid NIT

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 22: Armando Bacot #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels high fives teammates against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on February 22, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Bracketology Michigan Wolverines Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Michigan Wolverines – vs Rutgers

It might not be 100% a true “elimination game” for both teams in this matchup but it’s definitely for the Wolverines, who are outside of all the top Bracketology projections. Their 3-11 record against Quad 1 opponents combined with that awful Quad 4 defeat to Central Michigan right before Big Ten play.

Michigan is in the 8 vs 9 matchup with Rutgers and a loss basically dooms them to the NIT. A win probably puts them in a “win or out” situation against 1 seed Purdue in the quarterfinals. They won the earlier matchup with the Scarlet Knights on the road, 58-45. Another win is needed for the Wolverines to keep going.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights – vs Michigan

As mentioned, Michigan was one of the 6 losses in the last 8 games of the regular season to put Rutgers back on the brink. They have three Quad 3 losses on the year and have been failing the eye test ever since losing forward Mawot Mag for the season.

Their metrics look both good and bad, depending on what you view. And if the Selection Committee looks down on them, a loss to the Wolverines will surely have them dangerously close to not getting selected. A win over Michigan would prove that they’re a legit tournament team and is capable without Mag.

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