Every week we take stock in how each Big Ten basketball team is playing and provide our power rankings. We’re getting down the home stretch of the regular season and conference play with plenty still on the line.
Here’s where things stand as February begins to wind down:
14. Northwestern
The Wildcats haven’t improved like Penn State has and sit last in last place in the league with just three wins. It’s a turn the page kind of year for Chris Collins and crew.
13. Penn State
It’s too little too late, but the Nittany Lions have begun to show signs of life. There’s talent on that roster, and they’ve given teams some tough outs recently, and beaten others. It’s certainly no cake walk at the Bryce Jordan Center.
12. Indiana
Boy have the wheels fallen off in Bloomington. It says something about the league that the Hoosiers are this far down, but the record doesn’t lie. They’ve lost ten of the last eleven — albeit some very close games.
11. Rutgers
Yes, the Scarlet Knights have taken a step or two forward this year, but they still have more to take to win consistent games on the road.
10. Nebraska
Believe it or not, with all the issues here recently for Nebraska, it can still make the NCAA Tournament with a good finishing kick here. But man, what an opportunity lost this year.
9. Ohio State
Suddenly, the offense that was expected to be challenged this year is severely challenged. Where do you go if Kaleb Wesson isn’t being effective. The NCAA bubble is a real deal right now for the Buckeyes down the stretch.
8. Minnesota
The Gophers are still hunting for a NCAA Tournament appearance, but losing four out of five won’t help their case. The stretch run isn’t easy either.
7. Illinois
Has anyone improved more than the Illini in the Big Ten? There’s not a single team that hopes it draws the orange and blue in the conference tournament because of the pace and pressure they put on you.
6. Wisconsin
The Badgers, as always are a solid and tough team, but there’s a clear ceiling when it goes against the likes of Michigan and Michigan State. Still, you hate to play against the root canal style.
5. Iowa
The Hawkeyes continue to look like a team that can cause issues for opponents in the post-season. The length and shooting ability can take out a big boy on any given night.
4. Maryland
Very quietly, the ‘Terps are putting together a fantastic year. They are athletic at every position and can beat you many ways. And, don’t look now, but they are still in shouting distance of the top of the league.
3. Purdue
The Boilermakers just keep finding ways to win. There’s holes there, but anytime you have Carson Edwards on your team and the height on the blocks they possess, there’s a lot of good things to like.
2. Michigan State
The Spartans are right there with Michigan, but don’t seem to be as cohesive of a team as what the Wolverines are. There’s no denying the talent, but there are too many lapses in games. Keep an eye on the Nick Ward injury. It could be huge down the stretch.
1. Michigan
I know the Wolverines have looked more beatable lately, but from top to bottom, this is still the class of the league. Michigan plays great defense and can spread the ball around and score from almost any position on the floor. It is built better than any team to win the conference and do some damage in the postseason.
