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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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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 05: Brandon Johns Jr. #23 of the Michigan Wolverines (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 05: Brandon Johns Jr. #23 of the Michigan Wolverines (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

12. Michigan 13-9 (4-7)

Key Wins

*Beat Gonzaga 82-64 to win the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament.

*Defeated Creighton 77-69 in the Gavitt Tipoff Games.

*On a neutral court, defeated Iowa State and North Carolina in back to back games.

*Beat Iowa, 103-91.

Disappointing Losses

*Got swept by the Fighting Illini losing at Illinois, 71-62 and losing by 2 at home, 64-62.

*Losing to your in-state rival Michigan State by a score of 87-69.

KenPom Ranking 26

Net Ranking 31

Head coach Juwan Howard had done a good job in non-conference play with getting his Wolverines ranked in the top 5 at one point of the season. Michigan has had some success in Big Ten play with the senior leadership of Zavier Simpson and Jon Teske. However, Isaiah Liver has been injured for the majority of Big Ten play, freshmen Franz Wagner was injured early in the season, and Simpson was suspended a game for violation of team rules. However, Michigan has rebounded and has played better of late.

In fairness to the Wolverines, they lost their top three scorers from last season’s team and a legendary coach who took them to two national championship games in the NCAA tournament. However, their leader and defensive specialist in Simpson has played well in Big Ten play with being one of the leading assist leaders in the nation. Unfortunately, their top three-point specialist in Isaiah Livers is hurt and unable to play right now, and their leading rebounder and now leading scorer in Jon Teske is trying to do more with Livers out especially on offense. Michigan is also relying on its dependable group of sophomores who have been for the most part stepping up and contributing this season in Big Ten play.

Michigan is struggling to be consistent as for example as they beat Nebraska and Rutgers away from home but lose to Ohio State at home. To be fair to the Wolverines, they have been very competitive for many of their Big Ten games losing four conference games by single digits. They will continue to look to improve and hope to win some more games in Big Ten play. The Wolverines next play Michigan State at home on Feb. 8th.

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