Indiana guard Anthony Leal (3) reacts after being called for a foul during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Purdue, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

(AP) — The Big Ten has eight teams that should be locks to reach the NCAA Tournament.

For the league to hit double figures, teams on the bubble will have to have a strong finish to the season.

Indiana (18-11, 9-9 Big Ten) appeared to be on the outside looking in less than a month ago, but has reeled off four wins in five games to move onto the bubble.

Ohio State (16-14, 8-10) has moved in the opposite direction. In good shape a couple of weeks ago, the Buckeyes lost three straight before knocking off USC 87-82 last Wednesday.

Nebraska’s hopes have taken a hit with three straight losses, including 67-65 to Minnesota on Brennan Rigsby’s late 3-pointer. Northwestern (16-13, 7-11) moved back into the bubble conversation with double-digit wins over Ohio State, Minnesota and Iowa.

Bubble watch

North Carolina vs. No. 2 Duke, Saturday. The Tar Heels (19-11, 12-6 ACC) are playing well at the right time, winning five of their last six games after some midseason struggles. A win over their rival would be a huge boost to their NCAA Tournament chances.

Boise State vs. UNLV and Colorado State. The Broncos (21-8, 13-5 Mountain West) picked up a massive win over Utah State and have won seven of eight heading into the final week of their regular season.

Vanderbilt vs. Arkansas and at Georgia. The Commodores (20-9, 8-8 SEC) strengthen their at-large chances with three straight wins, including a crucial overtime victory over No. 15 Missouri. Wins over two fellow bubble teams this week could help increase their chances heading into the SEC Tournament.

Key ratings

Villanova: The Wildcats (18-12, 11-8 Big East) have won six of eight, but their early-season troubles still leave them with a tough climb to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022. Villanova is No. 51 in the NET rankings, but fifth in a Big East that may only get four teams into the bracket.

Cincinnati: The Bearcats (17-12, 7-11 Big 12) missed on a huge opportunity in last week’s loss to Houston and will need a strong finish to reach the field of 68. Cincinnati is No. 40 in the overall NET rankings, but ninth in the Big 12.

Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons (20-9, 12-6 ACC) are No. 68 in the NET rankings, but could get a huge boost with a win over No. 2 Duke on Monday night.