For Northwestern to make its first-ever appearance in the NCAA tournament next month, it would seem that the Wildcats basically have to win every game remaining on their regular season schedule. As of now, coach Bill Carmody acknowledges that the Wildcats aren't being talked about for an NCAA bid. Getting to .500 in the Big Ten might help that talk, he said Monday.

"We're not in the discussion right now and we've played pretty decently of late," Carmody said. "I think it depends on how Michigan and Penn State go [this week]."

NU is at Michigan on Wednesday and at Penn State on Sunday. The Wildcats need to have a better February on the road than they did a year ago, when road losses in February hurt their chances at a tournament bid despite a school record 20-win season.

* In women's basketball news, Amy Jaeschke was named the Big Ten Player of the Week for the fourth time this season. Jaeschke averaged 25.5 points in two Wildcat victories last week against Illinois and Ohio State.

* The Wildcat men's golf team opens the season this weekend in Florida at the Big Ten Match Play Championships. NU will play Friday and Saturday at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. The field is ranked 12^th strongest of any college tournament field this season.

If we're still stuck here in the snow and cold, at least the men's golf team can escape and get in some sun.