I don't think that's a fair comment, though. Yes, they've had some opportunities that would've been big wins that they've lost. Michigan, Maryland, and Boston College are their best wins based on the RPI, which is far from a staggering list. Their best win this season, in my opinion, doesn't qualify for that list now, but was against a Minnesota team that was a top 15 team in December while they still had Coffey and Lynch. I know where Minnesota is now, but that was a very good Minnesota team at the time that Nebraska beat them the first time. Also, no losses to teams 100+ in the RPI and an 11-4 major conference record should count for something, especially when being compared to mid-major teams. The RPI rankings in the Big 10+ this year really hurt Nebraska's cause, of course, which is why they're still out right now even with that record.

The loss to UCF in November was probably their biggest loss of the year for RPI purposes. Even though UCF was #57, that loss put them in the loser bracket of that tournament resulting in wins against #320 and #194 rather than having opportunities for a better non-conference SOS. Of course, Nebraska really wasn't playing well as a team at the very beginning of the year either. The Kansas, Creighton, Ohio State, and Penn State losses were all difficult losses where Nebraska led for significant chunks of the games or at/near the end that would all put them in a much better position right now (the first three of those in particular).

There is certainly no margin for error right now, though, and Nebraska fans know that as well. 13-5 in the Big 10+ likely won't get it done and even 14-4 doesn't seem like a given at this point, as ridiculous as that would've sounded in ANY other year. It's still been a very exciting season for Nebraska basketball. If they do get in the tournament, they're also a team that I feel has the potential to make a strong run, although they will need Glynn Watson Jr. to get his shot on track to really be at their full potential.