Busting Brackets
Fansided

Big Ten Basketball: Week 9 power rankings

By Blaine Lewallen

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 4: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Breslin Center on January 4, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 4: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Breslin Center on January 4, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 29: Abdur-Rahkman
CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 29: Abdur-Rahkman /

After winning their only game since last week’s power rankings, Michigan falls a spot in this week’s power rankings. Make no mistake, though, this team is on the rise. They would still be in the 3rd spot if it wasn’t for the phenomenal play of another team that has taken their place at No. 3.

The Wolverines were able to take care of business against Illinois this past Saturday, as they defeated the Illini 79-69 in Ann Arbor. After trailing 34-31 at the half, the Wolverines used some solid three-point shooting in the second half to pull away for the win.

As mentioned last week, the Wolverines are going to win games by whether or not they shoot the long ball well. They continue to lead the conference in three-point field goals made (9.6 per game). They also have done it on the defensive end, especially of late, as they are allowing opponents to score just 61.6 points per game.

Charles Matthews (15.6 ppg) continues to lead the Wolverines in scoring. Star Mo Wagner (14.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg) is starting to get back into a rhythm after missing multiple games. Duncan Robinson (10.2 ppg) and Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (11.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg) provide some solid extra scoring outside of Matthews and Wagner. The Wolverines are on the come up and expect them to continue to rise in future weeks.

Schedule for this week:

Purdue (15-2, 4-0) at Michigan on Jan. 9

Michigan at Michigan State (15-2, 3-1) on Jan. 13

Maryland (14-4, 3-2) at Michigan on Jan. 15

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