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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 Northwestern Wildcats Sports Ncaa Mbk Northwestern Wildcats At Ohio State Buckeyes
Big Ten Basketball Northwestern Wildcats Sports Ncaa Mbk Northwestern Wildcats At Ohio State Buckeyes /

12. Minnesota Golden Gophers – 10-3 (1-3)

The honeymoon phase for Minnesota is over after a pair of double-digit losses to both Indiana and Illinois. The issue isn’t as much as losing to those teams but the Gophers were never it in and looked like the lack of talent is finally showing, including on the defensive end. If leading scorer Jamison Battle doesn’t go for 20+, they’re in trouble.

Minnesota next faces Michigan State and Iowa, two teams they’ll have trouble keeping up with. It’s good that they got that early-season win against Michigan but they’re in jeopardy of going on a major losing streak in Big Ten play.

11. Northwestern Wildcats – 8-5 (1-3)

The Wildcats went from a three-game winning streak to a three-game losing streak, including losses to Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State. The last team mentioned is the problem for Northwestern, as the Nittany Lions are projected to have one of the worst rosters in the Big Ten. It’s been an up and down situation for the entire starting lineup, with some players doing well and others struggling mightily.

Northwestern has a must-win game on Wednesday at home against Maryland, before taking on Michigan State this weekend on the road. The Penn State loss was a major hit to the Wildcats’ NCAA Tournament resume so beating the Spartans would be a good way to make up for it.

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