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Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings: Purdue and Wisconsin pushing up

By Adam Childs

COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 23: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers attempts to drive around Luther Muhammad #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half on January 23, 2019 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Purdue defeated Ohio State 79-67. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 23: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers attempts to drive around Luther Muhammad #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half on January 23, 2019 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Purdue defeated Ohio State 79-67. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 29: Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after a second half three point basket next to Jaedon LeDee #23 of the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Arena on January 29, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 65-49. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 29: Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after a second half three point basket next to Jaedon LeDee #23 of the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Arena on January 29, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 65-49. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Michigan gets the top spot based off their head-to-head win against Purdue. But the Wolverines will need to start playing better of offense if they hope to stay here. They have struggled to score the ball the past few weeks and it has led to two losses to Wisconsin and Iowa.

The defense is still carrying this team, but it showed some cracks when they played at Iowa on Friday. It was just the second time all year they gave up more than 70 points in a game. Add in that they have not been able to score a lot lately and it proved doom for them, especially on the road.

The Wolverines need Charles Matthews to get back going and Jordan Poole to get out of his slump. They rely on those two to be go-to-scorers and when they are struggling it can leave Michigan vulnerable. Iggy Brazdeikis has picked it back up since going scoreless against Wisconsin, but he is still forcing his shot.

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They travel to Rutgers on Tuesday before getting a rematch with Wisconsin this weekend. That will be a big test for Michigan and they need to get that win if they want to stay on top of the rankings and the Big Ten.

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