Despite a four-game losing streak and back-to-back home losses to Northwestern and No. 13 Michigan State, the Indiana Hoosiers are hanging on to hopes of an NCAA Tournament appearance. The current losing streak doesn't help their case, but ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi still has the Hoosiers dancing come tournament time.
Joe Lunardi gives Indiana fans a sliver of hope in latest bracketology release
In his latest bracket projection released on Tuesday afternoon, Lunardi has Indiana as the final team in the "Last Four In" category.
— Joe Lunardi (@ESPNLunardi) March 3, 2026
Owning an overall record of 17-12 to go along with an 8-10 mark in Big Ten play, Indiana seems to be in control of its tournament fate entering the final week of the regular season. Two winnable games are on the docket, as the Hoosiers host the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Wednesday before wrapping up the regular season slate on Saturday with a road tilt against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus.
Indiana enters crucial final week of the regular season
If the Hoosiers win both games this week and improve to 10-10 in Big Ten conference play, it would likely go a long way in their NCAA Tournament hopes. On the other hand, two losses would extend their current losing streak to six games, which wouldn't do the Hoosiers any favors. Even a 1-1 week leaves Indiana with plenty of question marks in regard to qualifying for the big dance.
Minnesota is 14-15 on the season with a record of 7-11 in league play. The Golden Gophers endured a seven-game losing streak in January, but have won three of their last four games entering this contest. Playing on their home floor, this is a game the Hoosiers have to have.
The Buckeyes are also firmly on the bubble, with Lunardi listing them as the second team in the "Last Four In" category in his latest projection. A head-to-head matchup like this in the final game of the regular season presents a massive opportunity for Darian DeVries' squad. The Hoosiers are just 3-7 on the road this season, but a win over the Buckeyes has the potential to carry massive tournament implications.
Of course the Big Ten Tournament can still determine IU's tournament fate, but this week's matchups against Minnesota and Ohio State are massive. The Hoosiers have little room for error, and a 2-0 week would be just what the doctor ordered.
Tip-off between the Gophers and Hoosiers is slated for 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday night. The game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.