Northwestern is about as bubbly as a soda left out for a few days. Despite the fact the men’s basketball team has seven very winnable games left this season, only one of the teams NU will face is in the top 100 in RPI (ratings percentage index).

As it stands, NU only has three quality wins (Purdue, Illinois and Notre Dame), and the Wildcats only have a chance for two more in the remainder of the regular season. Even if NU only loses at Wisconsin, we still have only a résumé comparable to last year’s Florida squad, which, despite going 22-9 in the regular season, was on the outside looking in come Selection Sunday.

There are a few things that are going to need to happen in order for the Cats to bring out their dancing shoes this March. First of all, the Cats must win at least six of their next seven games, with the one loss coming to Minnesota or Wisconsin.

Next, as much as it pains me to say this, NU fans need to start cheering for Notre Dame, who, despite a slow start to the season, are making a push to break into the top 50 in RPI. This would add another signature win to the Cats’ résumé.

What else do we need? NC State and Iowa State need to get going at the end of the season, as both are on the cusp of breaking into the top 100. This could potentially add two more quality wins to our résumé.

And last but not least, the Cats MUST win at least one game in the Big Ten Tournament, and if they end up seeded sixth or lower, they are going to need at least two. If NU can’t muster seven wins in the remainder of the regular season, then the team needs to make it to the finals.

The Cats are in peril of making a second straight trip to the National Invitational Tournament. A lot needs to happen for NU to head to the Big Dance, but we aren’t down for the count yet. All the Cats can do now is continue to win and hope the rest falls into place.

– Andy DayMcCormick junior