The conference tournament often makes a world of difference. Last year, if North Dakota lost to Bemidji in the First Round, they likely would not have made the tournament. Instead, they won the tournament and got a #1 seed. My guess is if Mankato can win 8 of their last 14, that would likely be good enough to put them in position to make the NCAAs, so long as they make the Final Five. That being said, a lot matters as to who they beat for those 8 wins. If they sweep UAA, Duluth, Tech, and CC, but get swept by Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota, then it may take a nice run at the Final Five to have a shot. On the other hand, if they sweep their home contingent (Wisconsin, Tech, North Dakota, and 1 against Minnesota) those 7 wins may be better than 8 the other way.
At the end of the day, I'm enjoying the fact that we're even having this conversation regarding Mankato. Good luck in the second half, and wouldn't it be fun if that North Dakota - Minnesota State series was for the MacNaughton?