The Fighting Illini haven’t missed the tournament in three consecutive years since 1978-80. They must win the rest of their non-conference games if they want to have a chance at playing in late March.
To get to 8-5, the best possible non-conference record at this point, the Illini must beat Yale, UIC, South Dakota, and Missouri. Assuming they pull it off, the Illini will head into B1G play needing 12 wins to be seriously considered for the NCAA Tournament.
Moreover, they will start conference play with no “good” wins (having squandered chances against Providence, Notre Dame, and Iowa State).