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Big Ten Basketball power rankings: Can anyone take Maryland off the No. 1 spot?

By Ryan Kay

CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 07: Eric Ayala #5 of the Maryland Terrapins celebrates after a scoring play during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on February 7, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 07: Eric Ayala #5 of the Maryland Terrapins celebrates after a scoring play during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on February 7, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – JANUARY 30: Aaron Wiggins #2 of the Maryland Terrapins (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – JANUARY 30: Aaron Wiggins #2 of the Maryland Terrapins (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

1. Maryland 23-6 (13-5)

Best Non-Conference Win

*Defeated Marquette 84-63 to win the Orlando Invitational.

Key Big Ten Victories

*Beat Ohio State, Rutgers, and Iowa at home.

*Swept Illinois and defeated the Fighting Illini on the road, 75-66.

*Defeated Michigan State on the road by a score of 67-60.

Disappointing Losses in Big Ten play

*Lost on the road to Iowa by a score of 67-49.

*Lost to Wisconsin by 2 points on the road.

*Lost on the road to Ohio State by a score of 79-72.

Last Week’s Big Ten Power Ranking:  1 (No Change)

Ken Pom Ranking: 11

Net Ranking: 9

Even though Maryland just lost at home to Michigan State by 12 points, it is not a surprise to see the Terrapins are solely in 1st place in the Big Ten with the Spartans being a full game behind them. Maryland has lost two of their last three games but they have also won 10 of their last 12 games which is impressive. Maryland has two tough games left but they are both winnable.

Maryland’s success this season should not come as a surprise as they brought back a great core of returning players in Anthony Cowan, Jalen Smith, Darryl Morsell, and Aaron Wiggins. Maryland currently has three players averaging double-digits in scoring this season and the Terrapins bench has been producing more on the offensive end and they are also able to contribute defensively allowing Maryland to win some close games in Big Ten play. The Terrapins have especially been able to win games on the road which has been very difficult to do this season for many Big Ten teams.

The Terrapins brought back five freshmen who have been making a meaningful impact on games as sophomores this year. The Terrapins leading scorer Cowen Jr.has been the catalyst on offense once again this season and is a lock to be named 1st team All-Big Ten this season. His performance on the road against Michigan State was near perfect for the last three minutes of the game as he made clutch three-point shots in the final minutes of the game to give Maryland the win over the Spartans.

Maryland and head coach Mark Turgeon brought back five of their top six scorers from last season and that experience has allowed them to win close games in the month of February. Turgeon has his team playing like how Michigan State was playing last season and that team made it to a Final Four appearance. This Maryland team has a high ceiling with some very high expectations entering the month of March and the Terrapins and their fan base would love to hang a Big Ten championship banner.

Maryland is continuing to battle night in and night out and winning close games as they did against Michigan State, Illinois, Indiana, and Rutgers. The Terrapins will look to have Cowen Jr. lead this young but talented group to a Big Ten regular-season title and more.

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Maryland is challenging the Spartans for Big Ten Supremacy but in this very deep and competitive conference, they have to continue to be consistent and win their final two regular-season games. They will have a great opportunity to at least clinch a share of the Big Ten regular-season title when they travel to Rutgers on Mar. 3rd.

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