Big Ten Basketball power rankings: Illinois soars up, Indiana keeps sliding

Jan 16, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard RJ Melendez (15), forward Dain Dainja (42), forward Matthew Mayer (24), and guard Jayden Epps (3) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /

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Big Ten Basketball Illinois Fighting Illini forward Matthew Mayer Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Illinois Fighting Illini – 13-5 (4-3)

They say that sometimes there can be “addition by subtraction” when it comes to a player’s departure. We don’t know what happened behind the scenes that cause Skyy Clark to leave Illinois other than him dealing with some things and needed time away. But the team is unbeaten without him, having won four straight.

After wins over Wisconsin and Nebraska, the Fighting Illini was at home against Michigan State in a spirited matchup. It was close throughout but the home team was able to win, 75-66. Big man Dain Dainja had a big game, going for 20 points on 8/12 shooting. Matthew Mayer had 19 points and six blocks, while Terrence Shannon had 17.

Illinois then took its winning ways back on the road at Minnesota, a game that was close early on before a big run by the Illini allowed them to prevail, 78-60. Mayer’s recent run of stellar play has continued with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Shannon, Dainja, and Jayden Epps all were in double figures.

Illinois is back at home for the next couple of games, taking on Indiana and Ohio State. This is a huge opportunity for them to make it a 6-game win streak and get right back into the regular-season title race picture.

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