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NCAA Basketball: Michigan, West Virginia rises in latest top-25 power rankings

By Tristan Freeman

Feb 27, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Marcus Garrett (0) shoots against Baylor Bears guard Adam Flagler (10) in the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Marcus Garrett (0) shoots against Baylor Bears guard Adam Flagler (10) in the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball Kofi Cockburn Illinois Fighting Illini (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

6. Villanova Wildcats (15-3, 10-2)

The Wildcats had just one game this past week, an opportunity for revenge against St. John’s, who defeated them a few weeks ago. The Red Storm had no chance this time, falling to Villanova, 81-58. Four players were in double figures for the winning side, led by 17 points from Caleb Daniels.

The Big East regular-season champs now look to get at least a 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament or potentially a 1 if things go great. That would require sweeping the upcoming three-game stretch, which includes road matchups at Butler and Providence, as well as a big home matchup against Creighton.

5. Illinois Fighting Illini (18-6, 14-4)

The Illini suffered a loss on the road at Michigan State on Tuesday, but the bigger issue came when star guard Ayo Dosunmu suffered a broken nose in a hard foul. He was out for the next two games against Nebraska and at Wisconsin. Big man Kofi Cockburn stepped up in his absence, scoring 43 points combined in both games, while freshmen Adam Miller and Andre Curbelo had a big performance each in a game.

Illinois could have Dosunmu back in some sort of a mask for the final week of the regular season and they’ll need him, taking on both Michigan and Ohio State on the road. A regular-season title may not be in the cards but a 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament should still be the top goal. And if they get a sweep in the next few days, maybe a 1 seed too.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes (18-6, 12-6)

Despite 30 points from Duane Washington Jr., Ohio State couldn’t beat Michigan in a battle of the top Big Ten teams this season. The Buckeyes traveled to East Lansing to take on a Michigan State squad squarely on the bubble. The Spartans proved that they wanted this a bit more, pulling off the 71-67 upset. Washington and EJ Liddell combined for 35 points but the supporting cast struggled throughout.

Ohio State now looks to remain in the top-tier of the conference standings, taking on both Illinois and Iowa at home. If they somehow drop these games, the Buckeyes could go from a 1 seed to not being in the top-4 and receiving a double-bye for the Big Ten Tournament.

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