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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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WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 11: Lamar Stevens #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 11: Lamar Stevens #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

6. Penn State 21-8 (11-7)

Best Non-Conference Win

*Beat Syracuse 85-64 in the NIT Season Tip-Off.

Key Big Ten Victories

*Defeated Michigan on the road by a score of 72-63 as well as beating Michigan State on the road.

*On the road, defeated Purdue by a score of 88-76.

*Defeated Maryland 76-69 and Iowa by a score of 89-86.

Disappointing Losses in Big Ten play

*Lost at home to Wisconsin, 58-49.

*On the road, lost to Ohio State by a score of 106-74.

*Lost at home to Illinois by a score of 62-56.

Last Week’s Big Ten Power Ranking:  2 (Down four spots)

KenPom Ranking: 20

Net Ranking: 26

Penn State just over a week a half ago was in a two-team race with Maryland to possibly win the Big Ten regular-season title. However, the Nittany Lions have lost three of their last four games and they must win their final two regular-season games to have a chance at obtaining a double-bye in the upcoming Big Ten tournament.

Penn State has five players in Lamar Stevens, Izaiah Brockington, Myreon Jones, Mike Watkins, and Myles Dread who have been providing the offense for the Nittany Lions this past month. They are all reasons why Penn State has over exceeded preseason expectations in 2020. Transfer Curtis Jones and freshman Seth Lundy have provided much need depth for the Nittany Lions lately and it has allowed Penn State to be competitive, even in games they lost on the road in Big Ten play of late.

Stevens who will be by all accounts a Big Ten 1st team selection at the end of the season has been the leader for Penn State this season. The Nittany Lions also have had great guard play from Jones who is only a sophomore as well as Dread and veteran forward Watkins has really played well of late.

Penn State has already proven that they are a team that can win the Big Ten tournament if they have consistent guard play. Looking back after impressive non-conference wins and a nice victories at home in Big Ten play against Maryland, Iowa, Rutgers, and Ohio State, the Nittany Lions have also been able to win on the road. In Big Ten play this season, Penn State has won at Michigan State, Michigan, and Purdue. Penn State has lost three out of their last four games but they like Michigan are a very dangerous team come the Big Ten tournament.

Even though the Nittany Lions have not played well of late, it is still impressive especially when doing it in the best, most competitive basketball conference in America that they can win regardless of where they play. Penn State will look to Stevens to lead them to a strong finish in Big Ten play and this will be a season that ends in an NCAA Tournament berth and possibly a deep run in the NCAA tournament as well. The Nittany Lions will next host Michigan State on Mar. 3rd.

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