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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Michigan State’s Tyson Walker Big Ten Basketball 230116 Msu Purdue Bball 171a /

3. Michigan State Spartans – 12-6 (4-3)

In a Big Ten that has seen teams unable to win or lose more than two games in a row, the Spartans had quietly won seven straight games, including against Michigan and Wisconsin. Unfortunately for them, all things come to an end and they’re now on some hard times.

On the road at Illinois, Michigan State fought a valiant effort, led by 20 points from guard AJ Hoggard. Tyson Walker had 14 points, while forward Joey Hauser had 11 points and 11 rebounds on the night. It wasn’t enough in the end, with the team losing 75-66.

In the most recent game at home against No. 3 Purdue, the Spartans were up to the challenge. Walker had a career effort, scoring a team-high 30 points on 12/23 shooting from the field. Hoggard had 14 points and eight assists and Hauser had another 10 points. It was a close game until the very end but Michigan State lost 64-63.

It was a missed opportunity for the Spartans to tie for first place in the conference standings but they can’t let it linger for too long, with a home matchup against Rutgers up next. Indiana is up next and not too far from now is a matchup with Purdue at their place.

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