Editor’s note: Every week, The Daily Illini sports staff ranks the basketball teams in the Big Ten, 1-14, and compiles the lists into its own Big Ten power rankings.

1. Wisconsin 18-3, 7-1

No. 15 Wisconsin had an easy week with games against Penn State and Rutgers. Despite only winning by seven against the Scarlet Knights, no reason for the Badgers to drop in this week’s rankings.

2. Purdue 17-5, 6-2

The No. 20 Boilermakers had a slower week than most. Purdue extended its win streak to three with an 11-point win over Michigan State in East Lansing, Michigan, despite being tied at halftime thanks to Caleb Swanigan’s 25 points and 17 rebounds.

3. Maryland 19-2, 7-1

Maryland basketball continues to dominate as they leave this week 2-0 and ranked No. 22 in the country. The Terps’ six-game win streak is currently the longest in the Big Ten thanks to wins against Rutgers and Minnesota.

4. Northwestern 17-4, 6-2

Northwestern had an undefeated week and is now three games away from 20 victories with 10 games left in the season. What a crazy world we live in.

5. Michigan 14-7, 4-4

Michigan had its fourth 90-point game of the season in an absolute beat down against Indiana. The Wolverines’ starting five all had double-digit points as they cruised to a 90-60 win against the Hoosiers. I’m not sure if Michigan can keep that up, but it was impressive to watch.

6. Indiana 14-7, 4-4

Things appeared to be trending upwards for the Hoosiers until they were recently embarrassed in a 30-point loss to Michigan. The season might be at jeopardy with James Blackmon Jr. out indefinitely with a lower leg injury.

7. Michigan State 13-9, 5-4

Last week, Michigan State had an opportunity at a statement game against Purdue and the Spartans didn’t deliver. In the midst of a three-game losing streak, Michigan State fans may have to start planning NIT watch parties.

8. Iowa 12-10, 4-5

Iowa continues to be inconsistent this season after following up a loss to Illinois with a win against Ohio State.

9. Penn State 12-10, 4-5

Penn State did what they were supposed to do last week — lost to Wisconsin and beat Illinois. It doesn’t really help them nor hurt them in this week’s power rankings.

10. Minnesota 15-7, 3-6

Minnesota was a few possessions away from turning around its season last week with a six-point loss to Ohio State and a seven-point loss to No. 22 Maryland. But, “almost” won’t cut it in the Big Ten.

11. Illinois 13-9, 3-6

The Illini ended its three-game losing streak, but have since then started a new one. Road games continue to haunt Illinois after losing 71-67 at Penn State. But they came back from a 20 point deficit in the second half to make the game close against the Nittany Lions.

12. Ohio State 13-9, 3-6

Ohio State had a nice slate of games last week and failed to capitalize. While Ohio State stood tough with Northwestern, it then allowed a young Iowa team to score 85 points in a 13-point loss.

13. Nebraska 10-11, 3-5

The plummet continues for the Cornhuskers, whose season almost resembles an extremely volatile stock. With some tough opponents ahead, I might advise you to continue to short Nebraska’s season.

14. Rutgers 12-10, 1-8

This is the Rutgers basketball we have come to grow and love. After picking up a rare win in conference play, the Scarlet Knights are back to their losing ways and have allowed Illinois to not be last in my power rankings.

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