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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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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 01: Corey Sanders #3 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 01: Corey Sanders #3 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

6. Rutgers 16-7 (7-5)

Key Wins

*Defeated Clemson 78-60 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

*Defeated Seton Hall 68-48.

*Beat Stephen F. Austin 69-57 who went to Duke and defeated the Blue Devils their next game.

*Beat Wisconsin and Penn State at home.

Disappointing Losses

*Lost on a neutral court to St. Bonaventure 80-74.

*Lost at Pitt by a score of 71-60

*Lost on a neutral court to Michigan, 69-63.

KenPom Ranking 28

Net Ranking 28

Some may have been able to predict preseason the success of Illinois this season but very few could have imagined that Rutgers would be a top-tier team in the Big Ten halfway through conference play. The Scarlet Knights had to overcome some significant departures from last season’s team in Eugene Omoruyi, Shaquille Doorson, and Issa Thiam. By far the biggest loss for Rutgers was losing Omoruyi in the transfer portal this off-season as he was their top player who led the team in scoring and rebounding last season decided to transfer to Oregon. However, the Scarlet Knights did bring back a solid nucleus and have been able to soar past preseason expectations.

Rutgers did bring back nine scholarship players from last season’s team in players like Geo Baker, Montez Mathis,  Ron Harper Jr., and Peter Kiss. Omoruyi transferring was supposed to have been a huge obstacle moving forward as he was a very successful player for the Scarlet Knights last season. However, Rutgers many not have three or more players averaging double digits in scoring a game but they have seven players led by Harper Jr. who can score when needed.

Akwasi Yeboah a transfer player has really stepped up for the Scarlet Knights and helped bolster their front line as he is Rutgers’ 2nd leading scorer. Harper and Baker have been a good and productive 1-2 combo in the backcourt and have produced on the offensive end and have helped Rutgers play well for the majority of conference play thus far.

A candidate for Big Ten coach of the year, Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell is in his 3rd season at the helm and has the Scarlet Knights exceeding expectations this season.  This team more than likely won’t win the Big Ten this season but will more than likely qualify for the NCAA tournament something they have been unable to do in a long time.  Rutgers should be able to continue to surprise many in the Big Ten and they will have another great opportunity coming up to climb the Big Ten standings when they host Northwestern on Feb. 9th.

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