For the second straight year, New Jersey risks missing out on March Madness. Yet, as championship week approaches, hope remains. Someone from the Garden State must get hot in their conference tournament to secure a bid.
Although no team is a clear favorite, several programs still have viable paths. With Princeton and Rider already eliminated, here’s where the six remaining schools stand.
Seton Hall sits fourth in the Big East standings and metrics. They’ve battled UConn and St. John’s closely, proving they can contend. To secure a top-five finish and a bye, they must beat either Xavier or St. John’s this week.
Saint Peter’s (17–11, 14–6 MAAC) earned the No. 2 seed and opens Friday against Fairfield or Manhattan. Having split with Merrimack and Siena, their chances are strong.
NJIT (15–15, 10–5 America East) could climb to the No. 2 seed with a win over UMBC and a Vermont loss. Higher seeding means home court, a crucial advantage, though they must rebound from three straight losses.
Monmouth (16–14, 10–7 CAA) has surged since Kavion McClain’s arrival. A win at Northeastern plus a Drexel loss would secure the No. 4 seed and a bye into the quarterfinals.
FDU (11–20, 8–10 NEC) visits Mercyhurst in the quarterfinals. Having swept them in the regular season, the Knights have a realistic shot at advancing.
Rutgers (12–17, 5–13 Big Ten) faces long odds but could earn a second-round bye with a split against Michigan State and Penn State.
While the path is narrow, New Jersey’s teams still have opportunities. One hot streak could carry the Garden State back into the national spotlight.
Credits:
Original reporting and data compiled from Asbury Park Press.
