Editor’s note: Every week, The Daily Illini basketball staff ranks the basketball teams in the Big Ten 1-12 and compiles the lists into its own Big Ten power rankings. 

1. Michigan State (last week: 3) 

The Spartans take over the top spot in the power rankings after winning the Big Ten Tournament this weekend. Now that Tom Izzo’s squad is finally healthy, Michigan State is a national title contender. 

2. Michigan (1) 

The Wolverines fell one spot but not because they looked bad. They got beat by a very good Michigan State team. When Michigan gets hot, it is as good as any team in the country. 

3. Wisconsin (2)

4. Ohio State (3)

5. Nebraska (5) 

6. Illinois (7) 

The NIT-bound Illini are in front of NCAA Tournament-bound Iowa because the teams went in opposite directions at the end of the season. After starting 2-8 in Big Ten play, the Illini are trending up. After looking like a 5-seed for much of the season, the Hawkeyes fell to the First Four.

T7. Iowa (7)

T7. Minnesota (6) 

The Golden Gophers just missed the NCAA tournament in head coach Rich Pitino’s first season but grabbed a 1-seed in the NIT. Minnesota could make a deep run, like it did two years ago when it finished as NIT runner-up, and gain more experience for next year’s squad.

9. Indiana (9)

10. Northwestern (11)

11. Penn State (10)

12. Purdue (12)