Big Ten Basketball: Week 7 power rankings for the conference

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CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 29: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines reacts on the bench against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Dean Smith Center on November 29, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

The Michigan Wolverines move up in this week’s power rankings one spot after winning their only game last week. Although they lost to Ohio State earlier this season, their record and quality wins over teams like VCU, UCLA, and Texas are what pushes them over the Buckeyes. The Wolverines are also on a four-game winning streak currently.

Last week, the Wolverines defeated Alabama A&M 97-47 on Dec. 21. John Beilein received 31 points from Charles Matthews and 18 points from Duncan Robinson. The Wolverines forced 25 turnovers in the triumph. Mo Wagner was again held out due to an ankle injury.

The success of the Wolverines has come largely in part by the play of their defense. Michigan currently ranks second in the Big Ten in scoring defense, yielding just 61.4 points per game.

On the offensive end, the Wolverines are led by Matthews, who has taken over the leading-scorer reigns in Wagner’s absence. He currently averages 16.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Wagner averages 15.6 points and a team-leading 7.6 rebounds per game while Robinson follows that with 10.3 points per game.

Schedule for this week:

Jacksonville (5-10) at Michigan on Dec. 30

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