Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball power rankings: Illnois and Rutgers continue to climb up

By Tristan Freeman

Jan 9, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Johnny Davis (1) takes a shot against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at the Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Johnny Davis (1) takes a shot against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at the Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big Ten Basketball Maryland Terrapins guard Fatts Russell Daniel Kucin Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /

Big Ten Basketball has for the most part stayed intact in terms of playing scheduled games, with the exception of the Michigan Wolverines. That has allowed us to get a good look at all the teams and examine where they stand in the conference hierarchy.

We’ve seen a lot of quality team and individual performances and “tiers” are starting to be formed as league play is fully underway. Check out where I have all 14 Big Ten Basketball programs ranked before the start of this week’s action.

14. Nebraska Cornhuskers – 6-10 (0-5)

With exception of the win over Kennesaw State. the Cornhuskers have lost eight of the last nine games. That includes losses this week to Michigan State and Rutgers on the road, including by a whopping 28 points to the Scarlet Knights.

The defense has completely fallen apart for Nebraska and outside of freshman Bryce McGowens, the offense isn’t much better. They’re one of two teams in Big Ten Basketball without a league win and regardless of the schedule, it’s going to take a while before they get one if things don’t improve in a hurry.

13. Maryland Terrapins – 8-7 (0-4)

The Terrapins are in a completely different tier from Nebraska, as their losses in league play have been much more competitive. They had close calls against Iowa and Illinois on the road before nearly upsetting Wisconsin at home on Sunday. Eric Ayala has been slowly getting back on track, scoring a team-high 19 points in the game against the Badgers.

Maryland takes on Northwestern and Rutgers this upcoming week, two opponents more on par with them talent-wise. But can Coach Danny Manning steer the ship in the right direction or has this already turned into a lost season for them?

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