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
3 of 14
Next
COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 23: Marcus Carr #5 and Daniel Oturu #25 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 23: Marcus Carr #5 and Daniel Oturu #25 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

12. Minnesota 12-12 (6-8)

Best Non-Conference Win

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

Key Big Ten Victories

*Swept Ohio State by defeating them, 84-71 at home and winning at Ohio State by a score of 62-59.

*Defeated Michigan and Wisconsin at home.

*Beat Penn State by a score of 75-69

Disappointing Losses in Big Ten play

*Swept by Michigan State losing both times by 16 or more points.

*Lost at Iowa by a score of 72-52.

*Lost at Rutgers by 8.

Last Week’s Big Ten Power Ranking:  9 (Down 3 spots)

KenPom Ranking: 31

Net Ranking: 44

It is somewhat understandable that Minnesota has been inconsistent in Big Ten play this season due to the competitive balance of the Big Ten this year. Minnesota is composed of a group of players who have been steady contributions and they are led by Daniel Oturu and Gabe Kalscheur who both have played well during Big Ten play. Both Oturu the Gophers leading scorer this season and Kalscheur have been very consistent in conference play this year. Sophomore guard Marcus Carr has also played well in Big Ten play as he is currently the Gophers 2nd leading scorer averaging over 15 points a game.

Minnesota is still overall a young and talented team and they can beat quality Big Ten teams  especially at home like they did when they defeated Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin and Ohio State but they have been too inconsistent especially on the road in conference play. They can still be a dangerous team in the Big Ten tournament as they have shown beating four likely NCAA tournament teams in Big Ten play.

If they are able get some wins done the stretch in Big Ten play then they have an opportunity at making the NCAA tournament again this season even though their overall record doesn’t show it. Their strength of schedule with a couple of wins to end the month of February could get them an 11 seed in the NCAA tournament. The Golden Gophers next host Indiana on Feb. 19th.

Home/Big Ten