Big Ten Basketball: Wisconsin, Ohio State falls, Rutgers rises in latest power rankings

5. Wisconsin Badgers - 16-8 (8-5)

Not too long ago, Wisconsin had not only won 15 out of 17 games but they were ranked No. 6 in the AP poll and was in first place in the Big Ten Basketball standings. However, things have fallen apart for them, starting with an overtime road defeat to Nebraska. 

The Badgers followed that up with a hard-fought home loss to Purdue that went down to the wire. But even after that loss, they were still in the mix for a regular-season title if the Boilermakers slipped up. Instead, it was Wisconsin who continued slipping up on the road.

Wisconsin took a loss to the last-place Michigan Wolverines, 72-68. AJ Storr had 20 points in a continued run of strong outings, while Chucky Hepburn went for 17. The next game was a complete disaster for the team, losing 78-56 in a blowout road setback to Rutgers. Connor Essigian had 15 points off the bench but the team shot just 33% from the field.

Now with four straight losses, Wisconsin looks to at least guarantee a spot in the top-4 for the conference tournament double-bye. But the way they’re playing, they’re vulnerable to losing to anyone in the league. Ohio State and Iowa are up next, with the Badgers needing to get a sweep to get some momentum back.