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Big Ten Basketball: 2020-21 power rankings heading into league play

By Ryan Kay

ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Marcus Bingham Jr. #30 of the Michigan State Spartans battle for position against Austin Davis #51 of the Michigan Wolverines in the first half of the game at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Marcus Bingham Jr. #30 of the Michigan State Spartans battle for position against Austin Davis #51 of the Michigan Wolverines in the first half of the game at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Northwestern Wildcats Boo Buie Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Big Ten Basketball continues to be unpredictable this season with all of the cancellations and postponement of games. Here’s a look at how they rank currently.

Big Ten Basketball continues to prove that it is by far the best conference in all of college basketball. Even though conference games have just begun, there is now a sample size to begin to rank the Big Ten teams. Let’s take a look at how these 14 Big Ten teams are ranked in this week’s Big Ten power rankings.

489. . 3-1. . Wildcats . 14. team

Wins

*Arkansas-Pine Bluff
*Chicago State
*Quincy

Losses

* Pittsburgh

KenPom ranking: 66

Reasons for Hope: Unlike last season, they have not lost to an inferior team and their only loss of the season was only by one point. Their offense seems to be vastly improved from last season.

Reasons to be Pessimistic: None of their victories thus far have been against a quality opponent. They also have not played any road games and when they hosted Pitt who lost to St. Francis (PA), they couldn’t find a way to defeat the Panthers on their home court.

Brief Overview of the Season

Northwestern has not played many games as multiple scheduled games were postponed or canceled. The Big Ten is very competitive and deep this season with the possibility of up to 12 Big Ten teams having a legitimate chance to qualify for the NCAA tournament. However, as seen already, the very likely result for the Wildcats this Big Ten season will more than likely be a last-place finish in the Big Ten.

Some credit must be given to head coach Chris Collins who is in his 8th season as the head of the Northwestern program. This season has been difficult and challenging for Northwestern especially with games being canceled.

Collins has got players like sophomore Miller Kopp and junior Pete Nance who have been for most of the season the two of the top five leading scorers for Northwestern this season to excel and exceed expectations. Chase Audige, Boo Buie, and Ty Berry have provided a spark on offense for the Wildcats.

Northwestern has this season attempted to speed up the tempo of their games. They still could surprise a Big Ten team or two with a win here or there once Big Ten play begins for them this month. The Wildcats next host Michigan State on Sunday.

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