Big Ten Basketball: Power ranking the conference (Nov. 26-Dec. 3)

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Nike co-founder Phil Knight presents head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans and the Michigan State Spartans the trophy for the 'Victory Bracket' Championship after the game during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 26, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. Michigan State won the game 63-45. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 12: Leron Black /

Brad Underwood’s squad entered this week with much optimism after starting the season at 6-0. Although the Fighting Illini are young, there have been some very promising signs so far in the young season. But, the Illini dropped three very close and winnable games this week. Expect the Illini to improve on these losses, though.

The Illini began the week traveling to Wake Forest in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Tuesday. The size and length of the Demon Deacons proved to be too much for the Illini, as they fell 80-73.

Illinois then dropped two straight heartbreaking games in overtime to begin the Big Ten season. On Friday, Illinois outplayed the Northwestern Wildcats on the road but couldn’t close it out down the stretch, falling 72-68.

Then, on Sunday, the Illini battled from a 19-point halftime deficit to force overtime against the Maryland Terrapins. The Terrapins, despite committing 25 turnovers, were able to pull out the victory though by a score of 92-91. This week was the epitome of brutality for the Illini.

The Illini have some balanced scoring and led by junior big-man Leron Black’s 14.7 points per game. Black also contributes 5.8 rebounds per game. Other key players so far are Aaron Jordan (12.9 ppg, 65.7 three-point %), Michael Finke (11.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and Kipper Nichols (10.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg).

Schedule for this week:

Austin Peay (4-4) at Illinois Dec. 6
Illinois at UNLV (6-2) Dec. 9

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