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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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MADISON, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 23: Head coach Steve Pikiell of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 23: Head coach Steve Pikiell of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

10. Rutgers 18-11 (9-9)

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

*Swept by the Wolverines and lost on a neutral court to Michigan, 69-63 as well as at home.

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

Last Week’s Big Ten Power Ranking:  5 (Down fives spots)

Ken Pom Ranking: 31

Net Ranking: 34

Rutgers have had a disappointing end for the month of February. The Scarlet Knights have lost three straight and they have only won two of their last eight games. The most alarming part for a team more than likely headed to the NCAA tournament is that up to this point of the seasons, Rutgers only road victory in Big Ten play has come against Nebraska which happened almost two months ago. However, Geo Baker, Jacob Young,  Ron Harper Jr., and Myles Johnson all have played roles in Rutgers’ early success this season. Rutgers does 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 try to get the Scarlet Knights back on track.

Akwasi Yeboah is another player who has really stepped up his game for the Scarlet Knights. He must lead Rutgers front line as he is Rutgers’ 3rd leading scorer if the Scarlet Knights want to make a run in the Big Ten tournament to help bolster their NCAA tournament resume. Harper and Baker have been a good, solid, and productive 1-2 combo in the back-court as they are Rutgers two top leading scorers but they need to take their game to another level if they want to get higher than a double-digit seed in the NCAA tournament.

There was consideration for Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell as a candidate for Big Ten coach of the year prior to this past month.  He is only in his 3rd season at the helm and has the Scarlet Knights exceeding expectations this season but much more was expected after Rutgers started the season 14-4. He still has Rutgers as almost a lock to make the NCAA Tournament but the Scarlet Knights can afford another losing skid.

This team more than likely won’t earn a bye in the Big Ten tournament so they have to win a game in the Big Ten tournament. They are projected to qualify for the NCAA tournament but they have to at least win some games in March. However, making the NCAA tournament is something they have not been able to do in a long time and Rutgers could still surprise some in the Big Ten and upset a team down the stretch. They will have another great opportunity to climb out of the bottom third of the Big Ten standings when they host Maryland on Mar. 3rd.

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