Victory against Illinois brings IU one step closer to a tournament bid

IU Coach Curt Miller only wanted to talk about the process of becoming a postseason team.
 
But a group of players came to him one day and asked for specifics of how to get into the tournament instead, insisting they could handle the pressure of enhancing their postseason résumé.

“They handled it,” Miller said. “And I think it energized them, knowing how much one more win or a few more wins would go, enhancing their résumé.”

The IU women’s basketball team’s 79-61 victory against Illinois Saturday put it closer to a postseason berth. With two road games remaining, the Hoosiers can improve their RPI and increase their chances of getting an invitation to a postseason
tournament.

When the NCAA Selection Committee reviews a team’s tournament résumé, it looks at three areas — record, strength of schedule and RPI. The committee uses an “eye test” where the committee members themselves use their input to say which teams deserve to be in the tournament as a fourth determinant.

Miller said he believes getting to 18 wins in a conference like the Big Ten goes a long way for the team’s tournament résumé.

“You never want to leave it up to committees and people,” he said. “But I believe that win truly enhances a good résumé for not only the NIT but the WBI.”

Playing in the Big Ten will be factored into the decision, as the Hoosiers achieved their 18th win against an opponent in one of the toughest conferences in the country.

IU’s loss to Michigan (RPI ranking of 86 as of Sunday) last Wednesday hurt its résumé, while a victory over Illinois (RPI ranking of 158 as of Sunday) did little to improve it.

The win over Illinois, however, does move the Hoosiers into a tie for eighth place in the Big Ten.

IU has an overall record of 18-9 and RPI ranking of 53, but its strength of schedule (72nd among Division I teams) hurts its resume.

The possibility of an NCAA tournament bid isn’t out of the question. However, the Hoosiers would have to win the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis to guarantee a tournament berth.

“We still have games to go,” Miller said. “We still have dreams of winning the Big Ten tournament and going to the NCAA tournament, no question.”

Before qualifying for either of those tournaments, the Hoosiers must first finish the regular season with two road games against Minnesota (17-10, 6-7) and Michigan State (18-8, 10-3).

Defeating both teams would enhance IU’s tournament résumé. Minnesota’s RPI ranks 30th among Division I teams, while Michigan State’s ranks 42nd as of Sunday.

“We’re gonna fight in those two road games, and we’re gonna prepare hard not just to be a one-and-done team up in Indy,” Miller said. “We’re going to continue to try to peak and play our best basketball before March gets here.”

Senior forward Simone Deloach said defeating Illinois helps the team’s postseason chances.  

“It definitely boosts our confidence in going into postseason,” senior center Deloach said. “I think we’re all really excited and it’s something we all want.”

Follow reporter Stuart Jackson on Twitter @Stuart_Jackson1.