Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings: Indiana, Ohio State slides towards bottom

By Adam Childs

MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 12: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 12: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 05: Kipper Nichols #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dunks the ball during the first half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Center on February 5, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 05: Kipper Nichols #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dunks the ball during the first half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Center on February 5, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Illinois has been sneaky good lately. They have won four of their last five and played Wisconsin tough in their one loss. The Illini play very good defense and their offense has started to catch up and play better. They are a team that has proven they can play with the top teams of the Big Ten and even upset Michigan State in Champaign.

They finish their season with five games they should be favored in our of their last six. They could easily finish the season as one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten. The Illini are one of the middle teams that have shown the depth of the Big Ten this year. If they would have gotten on track earlier in the season they could have been in the top half of the conference.

Many people thought coach Brad Underwood might be on his way out, but with the way Illinois is playing right now, he may be saving his job. He has kept the Illini from quitting on him and could be building a good future for the program. Just like a few teams before this, they will be a tough out in the conference tournament. Make a run and the Illini might be a team to look out for next year.

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