4. Purdue (23-4)
It’s been a great year at Purdue but it’s really just getting started. The Boilermakers have had some fantastic performances, especially since Big Ten play has begun, and certainly look like the conference’s best team this season. They’ve stockpiled resume-building wins and have one of the best offenses in the nation, with the defense starting to pick up the slack more in recent weeks as well.
They weren’t quite as challenged this past week, with their lone game coming on the road against Northwestern. They took care of the Wildcats in a 70-64 victory, their second straight win, and eighth in nine games. Zach Edey had 14 points and 8 rebounds while the Boilermakers also got 11 points apiece from Mason Gillis and Eric Hunter Jr.
Beating Northwestern is no cause for celebration but a 12-4 record in the Big Ten certainly should be one. The Boilermakers still have some tough games down the stretch, but look like the favorite to win the conference title. This could be a top seed in the NCAA Tournament if they finish the season strong, though there are bigger goals once March Madness begins. Next week, Purdue looks to stop a red-hot Rutgers squad before a big matchup at Michigan State.