Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings 01/16/23

Power Rankings

14) Nebraska Cornhuskers

Minnesota isn’t in the basement this week! I thought they would be the entire year until Nebraska said hold my beer. Nebraska didn’t just lose their two games to Illinois and Purdue this week. They were obliterated by 42 points combined in those two games. These were formidable opponents. But Nebraska should have put up more of a fight in these games.

Illinois vs Nebraska Basketball Game Highlights 1 10 2023

13) Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Golden Gophers are now on the board. On Thursday, Minnesota beat Ohio State in a spectacular upset. This was the first win in the conference for the Golden Gophers this season, and it is something that they can build on moving forward.

Minnesota vs Ohio State Basketball Game Highlights 1 12 2023

12) Maryland Terrapins

Maryland’s recent troubles continued this week with a double-digit loss at Iowa in their only matchup. The Terps have lost six of seven games against significant competition. Their last three losses were all by double-digits. After a good start to the season, the Terps are spinning out of control.

Maryland vs Iowa Basketball Game Highlights 1 15 2023

11) Ohio State Buckeyes

They had Purdue on their heels last week, but they lost the game late. Ohio State has lost three more matches since then and desperately needs a win before the season gets out of hand.

#1 Purdue vs #24 Ohio State Basketball Game Highlights 1 5 2023

10) Michigan Wolverines

Michigan would be much happier about this past week if they didn’t lose to Iowa earlier in the week. However, the Wolverines won over Northwestern on Sunday to respond, that Iowa loss could come back to haunt them on Selection Sunday.

Northwestern at Michigan | Highlights | Big Ten Men’s Basketball | Jan. 15, 2023

9) Wisconsin Badgers

Right now, the Badgers are without Tyler Wahl. Wisconsin lost both games this week and has lost all three since Wahl was hurt. The Badgers suffered a crushing loss of nearly 20 points to Indiana on Saturday. Indiana is missing two key players, but they still have their star, and they are a deeper team than Wisconsin, which showed on Saturday.

Michigan State at Wisconsin | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Men’s Basketball | Jan. 10, 2023

8) Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana is in the same boat as Wisconsin and is battling injuries. Despite being bombarded earlier in the week by Penn State, the Hoosiers won over the Badgers. This victory ended a three-game losing streak and made Thursday’s trip to Illinois even more appealing. Have the Hoosiers righted the ship after losing Xavier Johnson and Race Thompson? We are about to find out.

#18 Wisconsin vs Indiana Basketball Game Highlights 1 14 2023

7) Northwestern Wildcats

The Wildcats had a tough week. They lost both games this week against Rutgers and Michigan on the road. Northwestern is still in the NCAA Tournament hunt but cannot afford to take too many 0-2 weeks.

Rutgers at Northwestern | Highlights | Big Ten Men’s Basketball | Jan. 11, 2023

6) Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State is still relevant in the Big Ten and has a great chance of being in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011. In a 19-point win, the Nittany Lions dominated Indiana. They made 18 three-pointers. Penn State isn’t playing around this year.

Indiana at Penn State | Highlights | Big Ten Men’s Basketball | Jan. 11, 2023

5) Iowa Hawkeyes

Over the last two weeks, Iowa has quickly gotten its season back on track. The Hawkeyes have won four consecutive games, including wins against Michigan and Maryland. Iowa looks more and more like an NCAA Tournament lock and is once again a contender in this league.

Michigan vs Iowa Basketball Game Highlights 1 12 2023

4) Michigan State Spartans

Although the Spartans had a successful week, it should have been their best week. While the Wisconsin win was significant, A win against Illinois would have been even more impressive. The Spartans’ blown nine-point lead in the second half was quite troubling. On Monday, Purdue will be in town, so Michigan State won’t have time to dwell on this loss.

Michigan State vs #18 Wisconsin Basketball Game Highlights 1 10 2023

3) Illinois Fighting Illini

It sure seems like Illinois is back on track. The Fighting Illini have won three straight games, including a blowout win at Nebraska and a come-from-behind win against Michigan State this past week. Illinois has always had a ton of talent, and now it seems like they are finally meshing together and reaching their potential.

Michigan State vs Illinois Basketball Game Highlights 1 13 2023

2) Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Who would have thought Rutgers would be so high in the power rankings heading into the season? After another strong week, the Scarlet Knights are right to be here. Rutgers beat Purdue, the top team in the league, on the road. So anything is possible for the Scarlet Knights at the moment.

Ohio State at Rutgers | Highlights | Big Ten Men’s Basketball | Jan. 15, 2023

1) Purdue Boilermakers

Despite the chaos in the Big Ten so far this season, one thing is sure: Purdue. With another flawless week, the Boilermakers remain on top. The competition will be a little tougher with a Monday afternoon road trip to Michigan State.

Nebraska at Purdue | Highlights | Big Ten Men’s Basketball | Jan. 13, 2023