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Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings: Illinois, Maryland, and Michigan State fight at top

By Ryan Kay

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 2: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is pressured by Xavier Tillman #23 and Rocket Watts #2 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Breslin Center on January 2, 2020, in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 2: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is pressured by Xavier Tillman #23 and Rocket Watts #2 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Breslin Center on January 2, 2020, in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 14: Kevin Cross #1 and Dachon Burke Jr. #11 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 14: Kevin Cross #1 and Dachon Burke Jr. #11 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

13. Nebraska  7-15 (2-9)

Key Wins

*Beat Washington State 82-71 in the Cayman Islands Classic.

*Defeated South Florida 74-67 in the Cayman Islands Classic.

*Beat Purdue 70-56 at home.

*Defeated Iowa 76-70 for arguably their best win of the season.

Disappointing Losses

*Lost to North Dakota 75-74 at home.

*Lost to UC Riverside 66-47 at home.

*Lost to Southern Utah 79-78 at home.

*Lost at Northwestern by a score of 62-57.

*Had great shot to upset Rutgers on the road by lost on a last-second shot by a score of 75-72.

KenPom Ranking 135

Net Ranking 170

The Cornhuskers lost many of their key contributors from last season’s team in James Palmer Jr., Isaac Copeland, and Isaiah Roby. Their record thus far in Big Ten play has reflected it. Nebraska has been very inconsistent and has won some games which have shown that they have the capability to compete in the very competitive Big Ten. However, they have lost some games in which they should have won and that is why they are in the position that they are in.

Nebraska and Northwestern are both trying their best to not finish in last place in the Big Ten. 1st year new Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg is continuing to use different lineups and is still installing the identity that he wants his team to have and play with. This is a process and Nebraska is trying to navigate through the rough roads as they continue to compete in Big Ten play.

For now, Nebraska along with being upset three times already has missed some key opportunities to close out games. What is hurting the Cornhuskers right now is that some of their transfers are having to sit out a full season or won’t be available to play until next season.

Nebraska is not close to competing for one of the top 5 spots in the Big Ten this season and probably next season as well.  The Cornhuskers, however, need to use this season to build momentum for the future.

Nebraska has to travel to play Iowa on Feb. 8th after having essentially a week off.  Then they have another tough match-up as they travel to play Maryland.

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