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

3. Northwestern Wildcats - 17-7 (8-5)

The Wildcats have had their fair share of close games in the past few weeks, with three of its last six games going to overtime. The recent two were on the road, falling to both Purdue and Minnesota in extra time. In the 105-96 thrilling defeat to the Boilermakers, Boo Buie and Ty Berry each went for 25 points.

But Northwestern made sure to take care of business at home in the past week. They won 80-68 over Nebraska, led by 22 points from Buie and 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists from Ryan Langborg. They followed that up with a 68-63 win over Penn State, with all five starters in double figures, led by Buie again with 15 points and six assists. 

Northwestern has an interesting resume, with a 7-6 record against Quad 1 and 2 teams and all five league losses coming on the road. But that Chicago State home loss will continue to haunt them all the way until Selection Sunday. Yet they’ve handled business for the most part and don’t have a game left in the rest of the regular season.

Up next for the Wildcats are two games on the road against Rutgers and Indiana, two teams currently outside of the bubble. It may be too much to ask for a 2-0 week but getting at least one win is key for them.