Illinois, Michigan make west coast statements: Big Ten men’s basketball power rankings

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In the span of one week, the Big Ten Conference’s Midwestern men’s basketball programs reminded everyone of the league’s true identity.

Oregon looked like a potential championship contender until Illinois went out to Eugene and romped by 32 points. UCLA’s early success hit a wall at Nebraska and tumbled off a cliff with a 19-point home loss to Michigan.

Could this championship race end up being much more traditional than it appeared coming out of non-conference play?

1. Illinois (12-3, 4-1)

Prev: 2

Kasparas Jakucionis nursed a bum forearm while his teammates slapped Penn State around by 39 points.

2. Michigan (12-3, 4-0)

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Standing tall after seven-foot duo of Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin conquered California.

3. Michigan State (12-2, 3-0)

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When will Spartans lose again? Have won seven straight and only play one top-tier team (Illinois) in next seven.

4. Purdue (11-4, 3-1)

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Braden Smith back on that Player of the Year trajectory, averaging 25.3 points, 9.7 assists since Christmas.

5. UCLA (11-4, 2-2)

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First “real” Big Ten week turned out to be a harsh welcome for the suddenly ordinary looking Bruins.

6. Oregon (13-2, 2-2)

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Hope one of those pine trees on the Knight Arena court is an air freshener because Ducks got skunked by Illinois there.

7. Wisconsin (12-3, 2-2)

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Iowa and Rutgers rolled out the red carpet for John Blackwell, and he poured in 53 points.

8. Maryland (11-4, 1-3)

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After a six-hour flight and four hours of basketball in the Pacific Northwest, Terrapins might no longer be in championship contention.

9. Iowa (11-4, 2-2)

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Josh Dix and Payton Sandfort both put up 30-burgers and somehow Hawkeyes still almost lost at home to …

10. Nebraska (12-3, 2-2)

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Yeah that missed double-dribble at Iowa hurt, but you can’t blow a 12-point lead with 13 minutes to play.

11. Ohio State (10-5, 2-2)

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Buckeyes have a couple of weeks left to snap out of their funk before football season ends and fans start paying attention.

12….

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/illinois-michigan-west-coast-statements-191343371.html

Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2025-01-09 19:13:00

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