Busting Brackets
Fansided

Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings: Penn State and Maryland leads the pack

By Ryan Kay

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 15: Darryl Morsell #11 of the Maryland Terrapins reacts late in the second half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at the Breslin Center on February 15, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 15: Darryl Morsell #11 of the Maryland Terrapins reacts late in the second half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at the Breslin Center on February 15, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 14
Next
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) /

5. Rutgers 18-8 (9-6)

Best Non-Conference Win

*Defeated Seton Hall 68-48.

Key Big Ten Victories

*Beat Wisconsin, Illinois and Penn State at home.

*Defeated Indiana and Purdue at home.

Disappointing Losses in Big Ten play

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

*Lost at Ohio State by a score of 72-66

Last Week’s Big Ten Power Ranking:  6 (Up one spot)

KenPom Ranking: 29

Net Ranking: 30

Geo Baker, Montez Mathis,  Ron Harper Jr., and Peter Kiss all have played roles in Rutgers’ success this season. Rutgers may 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 to ensure the victory for the Scarlet Knights.

Akwasi Yeboah a transfer player has really stepped up for the Scarlet Knights and helped bolster their front line as he is Rutgers’ 3rd leading scorer. Harper and Baker have been a good, solid, and productive 1-2 combo in the back-court and have produced on the offensive end as they are Rutgers two top leading scorers. They have really helped Rutgers play well for the majority of conference play thus far and are a main reason why the Scarlet Knights are currently in a three-way tie for 3rd place in the Big Ten.

There must be serious consideration for Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell as a candidate for Big Ten coach of the year.  He is in his 3rd season at the helm and has the Scarlet Knights exceeding expectations this season with Rutgers almost a lock to make the NCAA Tournament.

This team more than likely won’t win the Big Ten this season but will more than likely earn a bye in the Big Ten tournament and qualify for the NCAA tournament. Making the NCAA tournament is something they have not been able 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 Michigan on Feb. 19th.

Home/Big Ten