IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa knows that it will need to make a stunning run through the Big Ten tournament to earn an NCAA tournament bid. The Hawkeyes think they’re up for it. Iowa’s postseason resume is saddled by a weak nonconference schedule and a lack of quality road wins. But the sheer depth of the Big Ten means that the Hawkeyes (20-11, 9-9 Big Ten) could drastically improve their profile before the NCAA tournament field is announced on Sunday.

Sixth-seeded Iowa opens tournament play against Northwestern on Thursday night. Iowa coach Fran McCaffery says there is a “good possibility” that starting guard Mike Gesell will start after suffering a stress reaction in his right foot.