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 Michigan Wolverines guard Dug McDaniel Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Michigan Wolverines – 10-7 (4-2)

If you’re judging the Wolverines based on their recent play overall, you’d think they’re a solid contender for a top-4 spot in the Big Ten. But based on preseason expectations, they’re still leaving some things to be desired.

Michigan was on the road recently, losing both to Michigan State and Iowa. In the 63-59 defeat to rival Spartans, Hunter Dickinson had 18 points, while Kobe Bufkin had 15. But 3/20 shooting from deep isn’t going to cut it. They scored a lot more against Iowa but they couldn’t prevail in that one either, losing 93-84. It was a career game for freshman Jett Howard, scoring 34 points on 12/22 shooting on the night.

The Wolverines were at least able to come back home and get a win over Northwestern, 85-78 despite trailing for a decent amount of the game. Dickinson had 10 points and 15 rebounds but had plenty of help this time around, with Bufkin scoring 20 points to lead the team. Dug McDaniel had 17 points and five assists, while Howard had 16 and seven assists.

Michigan looks to get a win on the road up next, taking on Maryland. Minnesota and Purdue at home follow that, making the Terrapins a key battle to see if they can start piling up wins to stay in Big Ten Basketball contention.

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