Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings (Vol. 11): Purdue Takes Top Spot in Conference Standings

After beating Northwestern and Wisconsin, Purdue now sits atop the Big Ten standings and the power rankings. Illinois moves up after winning both games last week, while Wisconsin fell after going 0-2. How does the rest of the league stack up?

Dustin Schutte | Feb 5, 2024

Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings (Vol. 11): Purdue Takes Top Spot in Conference Standings /

In this story:

Purdue is officially in the driver's seat in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers endured tough battles with Northwestern and No. 6 Wisconsin, but escaped the week with a 2-0 record. Zach Edey gets most of the headlines, but the play from Lance Jones and Braden Smith was also critical in the two wins for Matt Painter's squad.

With Illinois winning both of its games and Wisconsin going 0-2 last week, the Fighting Illini have taken over the second spot, just ahead of the Badgers. As for Nos. 4 through 11? It's been as difficult as ever to sort through.

Here's the latest version of our Big Ten men's basketball power rankings, now that we've entered February.

1. Purdue Boilermakers

Records: 21-2, 10-2 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP Poll: No. 2; Coaches Poll: No. 2; KenPom: No. 2
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 1 (No change)
Best wins/worst losses: Beat No. 11 Gonzaga; Beat No. 7 Tennessee; Beat No. 4 Marquette; Beat No. 1 Arizona; Beat No. 9 Illinois; Beat No. 6 Wisconsin.
Last week: Beat Northwestern 105-96 (OT); Beat Wisconsin 75-69.
This week: Indiana on Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (TV: Fox).
The skinny: Believe it or not, Purdue took over first place in the Big Ten standings for the first time this season last week. It didn't come either, fighting off Northwestern in overtime and getting a tough road win in Madison over Wisconsin. The Boilermakers are getting it done at home and on the road, building a 1.5-game lead on the Fighting Illini and Badgers with one month remaining in the regular season. Purdue now gets a week off before a rivalry showdown with Indiana on Saturday.

2. Illinois Fighting Illini

Records: 17-5 overall, 8-3 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: No. 10; Coaches: No. 12; KenPom: No. 10
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 3 (Up 1 spot)
Best wins/worst losses: Beat No. 11 Florida Atlantic; Beat Northwestern; Lost to Maryland.
Last week: Beat Ohio State 87-75; Beat Nebraska 87-84 (OT).
This week: At Michigan State on Saturday, 2 p.m. ET (TV: CBS).
The skinny: Illinois escaped with a pair of wins last week but needed overtime to beat Nebraska in Champaign on Sunday. The Illini have now won five of their last six games but have a difficult stretch upcoming. Three of their next four games are on the road, playing Michigan State, Maryland and Penn State away from State Farm Center. We're about to find out how tough Brad Underwood's team really is over the next two-and-a-half weeks. But right now, they're up to No. 2 in the power rankings.

3. Wisconsin Badgers

Records: 16-6 overall, 8-3 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: No. 11; Coaches: No. 9; KenPom: No. 13
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 2 (Down 1 spot)
Best wins/worst losses: Beat No. 24 Virginia; Beat No. 3 Marquette; Beat Michigan State (twice); Beat Nebraska; Lost to Penn State.
Last week: Lost to Nebraska 80-72 (OT); Lost to Purdue 75-69.
This week: At Michigan on Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network); At Rutgers on Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network).
The skinny: It was just one of those weeks for Wisconsin. The Badgers squandered a 19-point lead at Nebraska on Thursday and couldn't quite pull off the upset at home over Purdue on Sunday. A common trend? Both Nebraska and Purdue made more free throws than Wisconsin shot in those games. Yes, the Badgers have solid shooters and scorers with AJ Storr, Max Klesmit and the supporting cast. But the they need to get back to driving the ball and getting more shots from the charity stripe.

4. Northwestern Wildcats

Records: 15-7 overall, 6-5 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: NR; Coaches: Received 8 votes; KenPom: No. 49
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 4 (No change)
Best wins/worst losses: Beat No. 1 Purdue; Lost to Chicago State; Beat Michigan State; Beat No. 10 Illinois.
Last week: Lost to Purdue 105-96 (OT); Lost to Minnesota 75-66 (OT).
This week: Nebraska on Wednesday, 9 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network); Penn State on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network).
The skinny: Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" might sum up Northwestern's week on the hardwood. The Wildcats lost both games to Purdue and Minnesota in overtime, falling from Big Ten contention to the middle of the pack. Boo Buie scored a total of 45 in the two games, but it wasn't enough to get a win in either game. The good news for Chris Collins' team is that it gets back-to-back home games this week. Maybe Northwestern can regain its momentum at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

5. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Records: 16-7 overall, 6-6 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: NR; Coaches: NR; KenPom: No. 46
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 6 (Up 1 spot)
Best wins/worst losses: Beat Michigan State; Beat Kansas State; Beat No. 1 Purdue; Lost to Rutgers; Beat Northwestern; Beat No. 6 Wisconsin.
Last week: Beat Wisconsin 80-72 (OT); Lost to Illinois 87-84 (OT).
This week: At Northwestern on Wednesday, 9 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network); Michigan on Saturday, 6:30 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network).
The skinny: Nebraska continues to dominate at home and struggle on the road. Sorry if that sounds like a broken record. The Huskers showed unbelievable resolve on Thursday, overcoming a 19-point deficit and upsetting Wisconsin in Lincoln. Despite a 31-point performance from Keisei Tominaga, the Huskers fell short in Champaign, dropping an 87-84 decision to Illinois. This is a quality team Fred Hoiberg has in Lincoln, it just needs to secure a road victory (or two) at some point.

6. Michigan State Spartans

Records: 14-8 overall, 6-5 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: Received 1 vote; Coaches: Received 4 votes; KenPom: No. 17
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 7 (Up 1 spot)
Best wins/worst losses: Beat No. 6 Baylor.
Last week: Beat Michigan 81-62; Beat Maryland 63-54.
This week: At Minnesota on Tuesday, 9 p.m. ET (TV: Peacock); Illinois on Saturday, 2 p.m. ET (TV: CBS).
The skinny: No, Michigan State isn't a contender to win the Big Ten this season. But is Tom Izzo's team gaining momentum at the right time? Quietly, the Spartans have won five of their last six games and will have a great shot to build even more confidence heading into March. The Spartans have a road test against Minnesota before a home game against Illinois. If Michigan State picks up two wins, it's going to put itself in good position for a top-four spot in the conference standings at the end of the year and secure a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament. Also, a quick shoutout to Izzo for getting win No. 700 and A.J. Hoggard for scoring his 1,000th career point last week.

7. Maryland Terrapins

Records: 13-9 overall, 5-6 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: NR; Coaches: NR; KenPom: No. 52
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 5 (Down 2 spots)
Best wins/worst losses: Lost to Davidson; Lost to UAB; Beat No. 10 Illinois; Beat Nebraska
Last week: Lost to Michigan State 63-54.
This week: Rutgers on Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network); At Ohio State on Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (TV: Fox Sports 1).
The skinny: Despite having a full week off to prepare for a road trip to East Lansing, Maryland still came up short. The Terrapins shot a paltry 30.9% from the floor, making just 17-of-55 attempts from the floor. Jahmir Young continues to play phenomenal basketball, scoring 31 points against the Spartans. But Maryland continues to struggle with consistency around him.

8. Iowa Hawkeyes

Records: 13-9 overall, 5-6 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: NR; Coaches: NR; KenPom: No. 50
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 8 (No change)
Best wins/worst losses: Beat Seton Hall. Beat Nebraska. Lost to Indiana.
Last week: Lost to Indiana 74-68; Beat Ohio State 79-77.
This week: At Penn State on Thursday, 7 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network); Minnesota on Sunday, 3 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network).
The skinny: It's been a bit of a roller coaster for Fran McCaffery's team this year. Because of the way Iowa can score points, it seems like it still has a push towards the NCAA Tournament left in the tank. But the Hawkeyes have struggled with consistency and haven't been able to take advantage of key opportunities recently — losing a home game to Maryland and a road contest at Indiana. There's time left, but the Hawkeyes are going to have to string together some wins.

9. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Records: 14-7 overall, 5-5 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: NR; Coaches: NR; KenPom: No. 76
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 10 (Up 1 spot)
Best wins/worst losses: Lost to San Francisco; Beat Nebraska; Lost to Indiana; Beat Northwestern.
Last week: Beat Northwestern 75-66 (OT).
This week: Michigan State on Tuesday, 9 p.m. ET (TV: Peacock); At Iowa on Sunday, 3 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network).
The skinny: Minnesota scored a huge home victory over the weekend, defeating a talented Northwestern squad in overtime. It helps when all five starters reach double-figure scoring totals. With the win, the Gophers evened up their conference record, but have a really difficult stretch upcoming. Minnesota hosts Michigan State and travels to Iowa this week before a trip to Purdue next Thursday. Going just 1-2 in that stretch might be a positive for the Golden Gophers.

10. Penn State Nittany Lions

Records: 11-11 overall, 5-6 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: NR; Coaches: NR; KenPom: No. 93
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 12 (Up 2 spots)
Best wins/worst losses: Lost to VCU; Lost to Bucknell; Beat No. 11 Wisconsin.
Last week: Beat Rutgers 61-46; Beat Indiana 85-71.
This week: Iowa on Thursday, 7 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network); At Northwestern on Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (TV: BIg Ten Network).
The skinny: After losing their first four road games in the Big Ten, Penn State has ripped off back-to-back road victories against Rutgers and Indiana. It happened without Kanye Clary, getting great production from Ace Baldwin Jr. in the last two outings. Mike Rhoades doesn't have the best team in the conference, but he's got a really tough group in State College. Can the Nittany Lions keep the momentum rolling this week?

11. Indiana Hoosiers

Records: 13-9 overall, 5-6 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: NR; Coaches: NR; KenPom: No. 99
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 9 (Down 2 spots)
Best wins/worst losses: Lost to Rutgers; Lost to Penn State.
Last week: Beat Iowa 74-68; Lost to Penn State 85-71.
This week: At Ohio State on Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET (TV: Peacock); At Purdue on Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (TV: Fox).
The skinny: Effort appears to be a major concern in Bloomington right now, which is an unfortunate problem for Mike Woodson in his third season. The Hoosiers did secure a gritty win over Iowa earlier in the week, but injuries to Malik Reneau and Xavier Johnson overshadowed the victory. Johnson missed Saturday's game against Penn State and Reneau didn't look like himself. Are injuries part of the problem? Sure. But on Saturday, Indiana also appeared to give up in a critical, must-win game against the Nittany Lions.

12. Ohio State Buckeyes

Records: 13-9 overall, 3-8 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: NR; Coaches: NR; KenPom: No. 64
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 11 (Down 1 spot)
Best wins/worst losses: Beat No. 17 Alabama; Lost to Penn State; Lost to Michigan; Lost to Indiana.
Last week: Lost to Illinois 87-75; Lost to Iowa 79-77.
This week: Indiana on Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET (TV: Peacock); Maryland on Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (TV: Fox Sports 1).
The skinny: Remember a mont ago when Ohio State was 12-2 and looked to be a threat in the Big Ten? Those days are long gone. The Buckeyes have the second-longest losing streak in the conference, having dropped each of their last four games. Chris Holtmann's team gets a pair of home games against Indiana and Maryland to potentially right the ship. After that, life gets a lot more difficult for Ohio State.

13. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Records: 11-10 overall, 3-7 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: NR; Coaches: NR; KenPom: No. 100
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 13 (No change)
Best wins/worst losses: Lost to Princeton; Beat Nebraska.
Last week: Lost to Penn State 61-46; Beat Michigan 69-59.
This week: At Maryland on Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network); Wisconsin on Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network).
The skinny: Considering how poorly Rutgers is shooting this season, it's impressive that their defensive effort and work on the glass has helped it reach three wins in Big Ten play. The Scarlet Knights made just three of their 30 attempts (10%) from 3-point range last week. For the season, Rutgers is shooting below 39% from the floor and 28% from long range.

14. Michigan Wolverines

Records: 7-15 overall, 2-9 in Big Ten
Rankings: AP: NR; Coaches: NR; KenPom: 101
Last Week's Power Ranking: No. 14 (No change)
Best wins/worst losses: Lost to Long Beach State; Lost to McNeese; Beat Iowa; Lost to Rutgers.
Last week: Lost to Michigan State 81-62; Lost to Rutgers 69-59.
This week: Wisconsin on Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network); At Nebraska on Saturday, 6:30 p.m. ET (TV: Big Ten Network).
The skinny: Not to be overly harsh, but there's nothing to talk about with Michigan right now. The Wolverines have dropped five straight games, all by double figures. The average margin of defeat? 17.2 points per game. The Wolverines aren't even competitive.