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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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Indiana Mike Woodson Big Ten Basketball Iu Mu Bb 2h Woodson 2
Indiana Mike Woodson Big Ten Basketball Iu Mu Bb 2h Woodson 2 /

8. Michigan Wolverines – 7-6 (1-2)

From a performance standpoint, the Wolverines probably should be lower in the rankings. But a recent pause that took away opportunities against Michigan State and Purdue put them in a spot where No. 8 is fine for now. Their last game was an eight-point loss to Rutgers, with Hunter Dickinson scoring 25 points but the team going 3/15 from deep and allowing Rutgers to make 11 from deep was the difference.

The next scheduled game for Michigan is Friday on the road at Illinois but we don’t know which players will be available to play after the team’s pause. Either way, it’s a huge game for the team’s dwindling NCAA Tournament chances and to avoid being at .500 overall for the season.

7. Indiana Hoosiers – 12-3 (3-2)

It doesn’t feel like it but Indiana has now won five of six games, including good double-digit victories over both Minnesota and Ohio State, making up for the previous loss to Penn State on the road. Trayce Jackson-Davis continues to be part of the All-American discussion, going for 27 points and 12 rebounds to beat the Buckeyes and a double-double against the Gophers.

Before a homestand that starts with Purdue next week, Indiana has back-to-back road matchups against both Iowa and Nebraska. As long as they avoid a potential disaster to the Cornhuskers, they’ll remain in solid position going forward and as long as Jackson-Davis keeps getting the ball, Indiana will be in a position to win most games.

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