NCAA Basketball top 25 power rankings: UCLA and Kentucky rise, Kansas falls
By Joey Loose
5. Purdue (17-3)
Last week, things might not have been in the best shape for the Boilermakers, but this week things are looking a bit better. Purdue might have the most talented team in the Big Ten, with potential stars across the starting lineup, but dropped a tough rivalry game to Indiana last week, taking their conference record down to a meager 4-3. This week, they got back on track.
On Sunday, Purdue got the week started with an 80-60 win over Northwestern at home, getting 22 points from Sasha Stefanovic. Getting back on track with that win was great, but Thursday’s performance was even better. The Boilermakers got another nice road win, this time upending Iowa 83-73, with a team-leading 18 points from Isaiah Thompson.
When you throw in Jaden Ivey Zach Edey and Trevion Williams, you see why this Purdue roster is expected to do fantastic things down the stretch this season. The Boilermakers may not sit atop the conference at the moment, but it wouldn’t be a stretch to see them holding up that crown at season’s end. Purdue has an intriguing slate of games in the next seven days, with home games against Ohio State and Michigan and a road trip against a feisty Minnesota squad as well.