This time last year, the ACC and Big East were entering the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament with a combined record of 14-1 and comprising seven teams of the Sweet 16 field. By contrast, the Big Ten and SEC placed just two teams apiece among the final 16 in 2024 after the conferences earned eight bids each to the Big Dance.

After a red hot start to the NCAA Tournament, the Big Ten cooled off slightly over the weekend. However, the conference will still be well represented in the March Madness regionals, sending four teams to the Sweet 16.

For a proud basketball conference like the Big Ten, winning the NCAA Tournament is a sign of respect that the league feels it needs to regain. Among the power c