Ten teams on the bubble

Illinois (14-8 overall, 6-3 in Big Ten): The Illini are tied for second in the Big Ten, three games behind unbeaten front-runner Michigan State. The Illini have won three times on the road, but only a win over Clemson is impressive. A problem is that they are 0-5 in neutral-court games, including losses to Georgia, Utah and Bradley. There essentially is a must-win road game Wednesday against Iowa before a murderous four-game stretch: vs. Michigan State, at Wisconsin, vs. Ohio State and at Purdue. The Illini need to win at least once in that four-game stretch because they desperately need another marquee victory. Prediction: NCAA.

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