Busting Brackets
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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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The Nittany Lions rise a couple of spots in this week’s power rankings because of the disappointing play from teams like Northwestern, whom the Nittany Lions took care of this weekend, and Illinois.

As previously mentioned, Penn State completely dominated the Wildcats from start to finish on Saturday, picking up a much-needed 78-63 win at home. This win certainly helps their case, and they have a great chance of going on a nice little run now with a few favorable games coming up.

The Nittany Lions shot 54.5% from the field, and were led by Lamar Stevens, who dropped in 30 points on 14 of 19 shooting. Stevens was followed by Mike Watkins (18 points, 17 rebounds) and Tony Carr (12 points).

If Penn State can get this type of a performance from these three guys, they are a very tough team to beat. Stevens (15.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Watkins (13.0 ppg, 9.4 rpg), and Carr (18.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.8 apg) all have the capability to score in bunches. Not to mention guards Shep Garner (10.2 ppg) and Josh Reaves (10.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg).

This team definitely has playmakers, they just need to find that consistency as a unit to take the next step forward. They are young and inexperienced, but the Nittany Lions are definitely a team to watch out for in the coming weeks.

Schedule for this week:

Penn State at Indiana (9-7, 2-2) on Jan. 9

Nebraska (11-6, 2-2) at Penn State on Jan. 12

Minnesota (13-4, 2-2) at Penn State on Jan. 15

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