Big Ten Basketball power rankings: Illinois free falls, Rutgers soars up

1. Purdue Boilermakers – 14-1 (3-1)

As one of two unbeaten teams left in the country, Purdue played on the Monday after New Year’s at home against Rutgers looking for revenge after last season’s upset that cost them the No. 1 ranking. But somehow, someway, the Boilermakers just can’t beat the Scarlet Knights when they’re ranked at the very top.

Purdue lost the game, 65-64 in the last seconds. Zach Edey continues to dominate, producing 19 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Fletcher Loyer had 10 while Brandon Newman had 11 points and five rebounds off the bench. He and Edey combined for 10 and the team’s 19 made field goals, shooting 40% from the field and 7/23 from deep.

On Thursday, the Boilermakers were in another fight, this time at Ohio State. The Buckeyes were in control in the first half but lost their best player (Zed Key) early in the game and didn’t return. Purdue took advantage and thanks to a go-ahead three-pointer by Loyer (11 points), Purdue avoided a second-straight defeat with the 71-69 victory. Edey and Braden Smith each had 16 points, while Ethan Morton also was in double figures with 10.

Purdue now has a lighter portion of the Big Ten schedule coming up, with Penn State and Nebraska coming up. They may not be the No. 1 team in the country anymore but still are the best in Big Ten Basketball… at least until they lose again.