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

6. Indiana Hoosiers – 10-3 (1-2)

The Hoosiers haven’t played a game since December 23rd, giving them a couple of weeks off before facing Iowa on the road. There clearly wasn’t any rust, with Indiana taking a 21-point early lead in the game. But between the loss of Race Thompson early in the game and Trayce Jackson-Davis looking hobbled throughout, the stage was set for the Hawkeyes to come back.

There was drama before and after the game with the coaches and the final minute took around 10 in real-time. But in the final seconds, the Hoosiers lost the shootout, 91-89. It was a heroic effort from Jackson-Davis, scoring 30 points and nine rebounds in 38 minutes. Freshman Jalen Hood-Schifino had 21 points and nine assists and looked comfortable running the offense.

With Xavier Johnson out of likely another month and Thompson in trouble with a leg injury, the Hoosiers’ depth is getting tested. They’ll need forwards like Miller Kopp and Malik Reneau to step up in case the starter is out for a while, or else hope Jackson-Davis can drop 25+ each night.

Indiana looks to rebound at home against Northwestern, who is coming off a surprising win over Illinois. The Big Ten looks up for grabs but injuries could very well prevent the Hoosiers from taking advantage going forward.