Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings 2/06/23

Power Rankings

14) Minnesota Golden Gophers

Two losses this past week to Rutgers and Maryland were embarrassing, to say the least; the Gophers were so thoroughly embarrassed that they have this spot on lock down as of now in these rankings.

Maryland at Minnesota | Highlights | Big Ten Men’s Basketball | Feb. 4, 2023

13) Ohio State Buckeyes

This week, the Buckeyes played in two in two big-time games, they needed to win both. They lost both. First, Ohio State lost against Wisconsin at home and then suffered a devastating loss at Michigan. The Buckeyes are the worst disappointment in the Big Ten this season.

Wisconsin vs Ohio State Basketball Game Highlights 2 2 2023

12) Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Cornhuskers continue to be pesky, picking up a win over Penn State Sunday afternoon. The Cornhuskers showed that they can beat anyone, despite not being an elite team in the league.

Penn State at Nebraska | Highlights | Big Ten Men’s Basketball | Feb. 5, 2023

11) Wisconsin Badgers

The week was mixed for a Badgers team firmly on the bubble. Wisconsin won a hard-fought road victory over Ohio State earlier this week but lost a crucial game to Northwestern on Sunday. It would have been a good win for the Badgers, who are currently on the bubble.

Wisconsin vs Ohio State Basketball Game Highlights 2 2 2023

10) Penn State Nittany Lions

This week, Penn State suffered two losses that they couldn’t afford. While losing to Purdue won’t hurt you, losing to Nebraska on Sunday was devastating for the Nittany Lions’ chances of making it to the NCAA Tournament. Although they’ll have more chances to make up for the loss, it was not a good week in Happy Valley.

Penn State vs #1 Purdue Basketball Game Highlights 2 1 2023

9) Northwestern Wildcats

Although it wasn’t a great week, the Wildcats ended positively. Northwestern won a road match at Wisconsin after losing to Iowa and Michigan in mid-week matchups. This win over Wisconsin will undoubtedly boost their NCAA Tournament stock and put the Wildcats in a great position to dance this March.

Northwestern vs Wisconsin Basketball Game Highlights 2 5 2023

8) Michigan Wolverines

Could Michigan be finally turning the corner? Is it looking more like the team that we expected them to be by the end of the season? The Wolverines scored two crucial wins this week at Northwestern and Ohio State. These aren’t necessarily marquee wins, but it is clear that the Wolverines have been playing better and could be ready for a strong finish.

Ohio State at Michigan | Highlights | Big Ten Men’s Basketball | Feb. 5, 2023

7) Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State is currently in their mid-season slump. This one feels worse than in previous years. The Spartans missed a chance to win a massive victory over Rutgers Saturday. They let an eight-point lead in the second half slip away. Michigan State has now lost five of seven of its last seven games. They desperately need to win next week.

Michigan State vs Rutgers Basketball Game Highlights 2 4 2023

6) Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa enjoyed a strong week, with two home wins over NCAA Tournament-quality teams in Northwestern and Illinois. These two wins have helped the Hawkeyes to build their tournament resume. They’ll be tested next Thursday again at Purdue.

Northwestern vs Iowa Basketball Game Highlights 1 31 2023

5) Maryland Terrapins

Maryland continues to amaze me with two more wins, extending their winning streak of four games to 4. The Terps won five of their six previous games, with Purdue being their only loss during that time. Maryland will visit the Breslin Centre on Tuesday in a huge matchup for both sides.

Maryland at Minnesota | Highlights | Big Ten Men’s Basketball | Feb. 4, 2023

4) Illinois Fighting Illini

On Saturday, Iowa ended Illinois’ three-game winning streak. This loss is very disappointing as Illinois had a significant lead in the second period but couldn’t finish off the Hawkeyes.

Iowa postgame: Illini coach Brad Underwood

3) Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Rutgers came from behind in the second half and beat the Spartans at MSG. This win was the culmination of a 2-0 week by the Scarlet Knights. They are now back near the top in our power rankings.

Michigan State at Rutgers | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Men’s Basketball | Feb. 4, 2023

2) Indiana Hoosiers

Although Indiana was beaten by Maryland earlier in the week, they won on Saturday over the Boilermakers. The Hoosiers were able to get that massive resume-building win to add on to their NCAA Tournament resume. They can continue that momentum as we move toward March with a win over Rutgers on Tuesday night.

Purdue at Indiana | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Men’s Basketball | Feb. 4, 2023

1) Purdue Boilermakers

Indiana defeated Purdue on Saturday. This loss is hard because you don’t want to lose to your rival, but Purdue still holds a strong lead in the Big Ten title race. Purdue remains the clear top team in these power rankings.

Rival reaction: Purdue head coach Matt Painter talks loss to IU