Shakeup hits top 10 of Big Ten men’s basketball power rankings

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Big Ten Conference men’s basketball may have a literal meaning for the NCAA Tournament.

The consensus of 92 projections at Bracket Matrix includes 10 teams from the conference in the field of 68. That runs from No. 2 seed Purdue to No. 11 Nebraska.

Right now that feels like a best-case scenario. Unless someone in the lower half makes a big push in the final month, the league’s case for more than half of its teams making the field will rest on the Cornhuskers’ bubble status.

1. Purdue (18-5, 10-2)

Prev: 2

Unless Boilermakers are blowing your team out, expect to watch Braden Smith for the full 40 minutes.

2. Michigan (17-5, 9-2)

Prev: 4

If Wolverines end up with the trophy, they’ll have earned it. Six of last nine opponents are KenPom top 25 teams.

3. Wisconsin (18-5, 8-4)

Prev: 6

John Tonje trying to finish sixth year strong. Over last five games: 23.2 points, 52.4% 3-pointers.

4. Michigan State (18-4, 9-2)

Prev: 1

Tale as old as time: Midwest beauty queen goes to Hollywood and leaves damaged and disillusioned.

5. UCLA (17-6, 8-4)

Prev: 7

Petitioning to move Big Ten tournament to Couer d’Alene, Idaho, so it can play in the Pacific time zone.

6. Maryland (17-5, 7-4)

Prev: 3

Great sign for Terps? Derik Queen has not been the leading scorer in any of its four straight wins.

7. Illinois (15-8, 7-6)

Prev: 5

Are the Illini shaping up as a dangerous mid-tier NCAA tournament seed, or is there simply something flawed here?

8. Ohio State (13-9, 5-6)

Prev: 9

After getting cracked by 24 points at Maryland on Dec. 4, Buckeyes need to make a statement against Terrapins Thursday night.

9. Nebraska (15-8, 5-7)

Prev: 13

As of Thursday morning, has more Quad 1 wins than Indiana, Iowa and Penn State combined.

10. Oregon (16-7, 5-7)

Prev: 8

Some big early season wins may salvage the resume, but with four straight losses, these Ducks are flying south.

11. USC (13-9, 5-6)

Prev: 10

Who would have picked the Trojans as the first Big Ten team to beat Michigan State before the season started?

12. Rutgers (12-11, 5-7)

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/shakeup-hits-top-10-big-195916615.html

Author : Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2025-02-06 19:59:00

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