Big Ten Basketball: Power ranking the conference after week 6
The Illinois Fighting Illini fall in this week’s power rankings after losing another close and disappointing game this week. The Illini have lost their five games by a combined 22 points so far this season. Two of these losses have come in overtime.
The Illini began the week on Dec. 13 with an easy 92-45 against the Longwood Lancers. This was an expected win, as none of the Lancers’ three wins have come against a Division-I opponent this season.
Brad Underwood’s team then traveled to Chicago to face a very good WAC team in the New Mexico State Aggies. The Aggies have a very good chance to win the WAC again this season and make some noise in the tournament. The Illini were down by 12 at the half but came back to take the lead in the second half. Crucial plays down the stretch were costly, though, as the Illini ultimately fell 74-69.
This was another devastating loss for the Illini, but the young players are really starting to play well. While juniors Leron Black (13.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Aaron Jordan (12.1 ppg, 60% 3P%), and Michael Finke (11.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg) currently lead the Illini statistically, it is the youngsters that have stepped up big lately. This is a good sign for the future of this inexperienced Illini team.
Schedule for this week:
- Illinois vs. Missouri (9-2) in St. Louis, MO on Dec. 23