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 Rutgers Scarlet Knights center Clifford Omoruyi Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Rutgers Scarlet Knights – 13-5 (5-2)

The Scarlet Knights aren’t the most lethal team offensively and their games aren’t always pretty. But this team now has won 7 of 8 games, with the last two coming by a combined seven points and rebounding after its 11-point defeat to Iowa.

Against Northwestern, the defense of the Scarlet Knights limited the guard duo of Chase Audige and Boo Buie and despite its own guards struggling from the field, won 65-62. The star of the game was Cam Spencer, who had 23 points on 7/14 shooting, including 6/7 from three-point range. Paul Mulcahy didn’t shoot well but did have a good all-around night with 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

In the last game, Rutgers took on Ohio State in a game that took a while to see some points on the board. The game ended up needing five extra minutes to find a winner, with the Knights pulling off the 68-64 victory. Spencer once again had a big game with 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals and with a trio of made three-pointers. Big man Clifford Omoruyi had 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Mawot Mag chipped in with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Rutgers is back on the road next, taking on Michigan State. Both teams have been playing well and a spot for second place could be on the line in this matchup.

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