Big Ten Basketball: Wisconsin rises, Indiana falls in latest power rankings

Nov 27, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) celebrates during the second half after scoring a basket against the Duke Blue Devils at Moda Center. Purdue won the Phil Knight Legacy Championship game 75-56. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

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Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard Pumsubigtentourneymbb 031222 Am3823 /

8. Michigan State Spartans – 7-4 (1-1)

After a 3-1 start that saw them jump from unranked to No. 12 in the country, it’s been a mixed bag in the past month for Michigan State. They have losses to Notre Dame, Northwestern, and Alabama, with the Fighting Irish blowout the most surprising to date.

To the defense of the team, they’ve been without a key piece of the team in Malik Hall, who was averaging 12.0 ppg and 5.3 rpg early on and was an important wing and frontcourt defender for the team. The collective defense has struggled to this point but a healthy Jaden Akins has helped that, though the limited bench has suffered as a result.

The Spartans’ offense has mainly relied on the backcourt duo of AJ Hoggard and Tyson Walker, both of whom are averaging at least 13.0 ppg and 3.5 apg. And senior Joey Hauser is having his best season yet, producing 13.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg in 34 mpg, while shooting over 42% from three-point range. He’s been more consistent as well, including a current streak of six straight double-digit scoring games.

Michigan State’s schedule finally lightens up to end the month, with home games against Buffalo and Oakland, two mid-majors that are struggling at the moment. And most importantly, they’re due to get back Hall as well before league play resumes.

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