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 Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Sam Griesel Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Nebraska Cornhuskers – 10-9 (3-5)

The first three years of the Fred Hoiberg era have been really rough for the Cornhuskers They didn’t win more than 10 games or more than four in Big Ten Basketball play. But with 12 more games in league play, they have the chance to show real progress as a program.

After beating Minnesota on the road in overtime, Nebraska then lost back-to-back games against Purdue and Illinois by a combined 34 points, with neither being very competitive in the second half. Derrick Walker did at least have some nice stats against the Boilermakers in a 73-55 defeat, producing 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

It didn’t take long for the team to get back in the win column, taking on Ohio State at home. It was a close battle throughout with neither team shooting the ball well but the Cornhuskers made the Buckeyes pay for not pushing them away, with the underdogs pulling off the 63-60 upset. Sam Griesel led the team with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Walker had eight points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.

The overall resume is what keeps Nebraska below Ohio State for now but this team has proven that they’re capable of playing spoiler for the rest of the season. If you’re on the bubble, you should take the Cornhuskers seriously. Or else you’ll be in for a long night.

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