Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings: Purdue and Wisconsin pushing up

By Adam Childs | Feb 5, 2019

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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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 10: Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines brings the ball up court as Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini defends during the first half at State Farm Center on January 10, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Illinois has seemed to be right on the edge all season long. They went through a stretch earlier this year where they lead four games in the second half and lost them all. Most recently they have pulled off two big wins against Maryland and Nebraska to show some life.

This team has some talent and will get after it on defense but has struggled to score. But when they put it together they can play with anyone in the conference. They played Michigan tough earlier even though they would eventually lose by 10. You can see what Brad Underwood is trying to do with the Illini but they just have not been able to put together the wins.

This is a team that has the potential to pull off an upset in the Big Ten tournament but could also get beat by 20. The inconsistency has plagued Illinois all year and has some thinking Underwood should be fired at season’s end. This team is not as bad as their record say but until they start winning some games it won’t matter.

They have a big opportunity this week as Michigan State comes to town. Can they get over the hump and record a huge upset? The Spartans are going to be ready, but if Illinois wins that one they could climb a couple of spots in the rankings.

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