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) /

9 of 15

ROSEMONT, IL- NOVEMBER 15: Vic Law /

Entering this season, Northwestern was thought to be at the top of the Big Ten as they returned most of their main players from last year’s NCAA Tournament squad. But, Northwestern has really struggled so far this season. They do not have the same toughness as they did last year. The Wildcats should be able to turn it around and potentially crack the top-5 later in the season, but for now, their lack-luster performance puts them at 7th.

This week, the Wildcats opened with a tough 52-51 loss at Georgia Tech in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. This was definitely a winnable game, but the Wildcats just didn’t make enough plays down the stretch to win on the road.

On Friday, NU returned home to face Illinois, pulling out a much-needed win against the Illini in overtime, 72-68. Then, the Wildcats suffered a 74-69 setback at Purdue on Sunday. The Wildcats were in the game for the better part of the 40 minutes, but the Boilermakers were able to pull out the win.

The veterans of the Wildcats have led them so far this season. Scottie Lindsay (16.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Bryant McIntosh (14.3 ppg, 5.7 apg), Vic Law (13.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg), and Derek Pardon (11.6 ppg, 6.1 ppg) look to lead the Wildcats and turn their season around before it is too late.

Schedule for this week:

No games this week

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