Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Ohio State

5. Things just got a lot more difficult in the Big Ten standings

At one point earlier this year, I thought Illinois had a legit shot to win the Big Ten regular season. Those hopes dwindled, and the realization quickly hit that wasn’t probably going to happen.

My focus then turned to just getting a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament. To get this double-bye, Illinois has to finish in the top four in the conference. Coming into the Ohio State game, the Illini were tied for a spot in that coveted top-four.

Well, things just got a lot more difficult with a loss to the Buckeyes. Illinois lost that half-game on the field, and Maryland beat Northwestern. On Saturday, the Indiana Hoosiers took down Purdue as well.

So, Illinois is now a full game out of the top four spots. Maryland, Indiana, and Northwestern currently have a three-way tie for second place in the Big Ten. Illinois loses the tiebreaker in this group as well.

There are two games left on the Illinois schedule. We welcome in Michigan on Thursday and then finish on the road against No. 5 Purdue. Even if we win both of these games, it is not looking good for the double-bye. It would take multiple teams needing to lose their final two games of the season.

It looks like there is a strong chance Illinois is going to be playing on Thursday. This is kind of disappointing considering the potential this program had entering the year. But if we can get things to click in the next few games, look out for the Orange and Blue to make a run in March.