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

4. Ohio State Buckeyes – 10-3 (4-1)

The five-game win streak for the Buckeyes ended this past week in a disappointing loss to Indiana on the road. And while it took 95 points this weekend, Ohio State was able to get past Northwestern in a close matchup, led by 34 points and five blocks from forward E.J. Liddell, along with 24 points from freshman guard  Malaki Branham.

The team has a big matchup against Wisconsin on the road in a battle of 4-1 teams in the standings, followed by a matchup with Penn State this weekend at home. Not only will the upcoming battle of ranked teams have implications in the standings but it could help determine who wins Big Ten Basketball Player of the Year between Liddell and Davis.

3. Illinois Fighting Illini – 11-3 (4-0)

Still without Andre Curbelo, Illinois is just rolling right along, coming off double-digit wins over Minnesota and Maryland. Big man Kofi Cockburn is putting up National Player of the Year numbers overall and this past week, averaging 26 ppg and 14 rpg in the last two wins.

The issue with ranking Illinois is that the four wins came against teams viewed as bottom-half teams in the Big Ten, having yet to face any of the top teams in this power rankings. That continues this week, with Nebraska and Michigan up next. But they very well could be 6-0 in league play coming into a huge matchup with Purdue.

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