SiriusXM Big Ten Radio’s college basketball power rankings

Pete Pistone and the rest of the SiriusXM Big Ten Radio team continue to unveil Power Rankings each week of the college basketball season. Check out this week’s edition of basketball Power Rankings below, and start listening to SiriusXM Big Ten Radio (Ch. 372) on the SiriusXM app now.

It was another tight week in Big Ten basketball as the conference schedule rolled in in early January. Two schools – Michigan and Wisconsin – made their way into the AP Top Ten with five schools taking up spots in the AP Top 25.

Ohio State worked its way back in while Michigan State, after a loss to Purdue, fell out.

Here’s how the SiriusXM Big Ten Radio team voted to put together this week’s edition of our college basketball rankings:

1. Michigan @umichbball

The Wolverines remain unbeaten and have scored four straight wins by double digits; big week ahead for Juwaan Howard’s team.

WEEK AHEAD: Wisconsin (January 12), @Minnesota (January 16)

2. IOWA @IowaHoops

Iowa has been on a roll since the Hawkeyes lost to Minnesota and have reeled off four wins by an average of 13.5 points. Luka Garza remains in the Player of the Year discussion with his continued excellence.

WEEK AHEAD: Michigan State (January 14)

3. WISCONSIN @BadgerMBB

The Badgers keep getting the balanced attack, which has Wisconsin among the sport’s elite right now. This team can beat any other if they hit on all cylinders as has been in the case in recent outings.

WEEK AHEAD: @Michigan (January 14), @Rutgers (January 15)

4. ILLINOIS @IlliniMBB

They’ve lost some squeakers, but Illinois on most nights is nearly unbeatable. Last week’s incredible comeback performance over Northwestern was a perfect display of this team’s firepower.

WEEK AHEAD: @Nebraska (January 13), Ohio State (January 16)

5. RUTGERS @RutgersMBB

The Scarlet Knights are reeling some with a three0-game skid. Ron Harper Jr. has been carrying the load, but needs his running mates to step up…fast.

WEEK AHEAD: @Penn State (January 12), Wisconsin (January 15)

6. MINNESOTA @GopherMBB

As Marcus Carr goes, so do the Golden Gophers. Both have been going very well in the last few days.

WEEK AHEAD: Idle

7. NORTHWESTERN @NUMensBBall

The 3-0 start to conference play is long gone, but Northwestern can still be a good basketball team most nights. However, Chris Collins has to stop the bleeding after a trio of double digit losses.

WEEK AHEAD: @Ohio State (January 13)

8. OHIO STATE @OhioStateHoops

The win total has been padded with a pair of victories against Rutgers and one versus Nebraska. The Buckeyes will have to show their mettle against more formidable opponents in the coming days.

WEEK AHEAD: Northwestern (January 13), @Illinois (January 16)

9. MICHIGAN STATE @MSU_Basketball

Inconsistency has plagued the Spartans so far this season with big margin wins and losses dotting their performance. Things need to step up for Michigan State to grab a tournament bid.

WEEK AHEAD: @Iowa (January 14), Indiana (January 17)

10. MARYLAND @TerrapinHoops

Just above .500 overall, but 2-5 in the conference for Maryland with those wins coming against Wisconsin and Illinois.

WEEK AHEAD: Nebraska (January 16)

11. PURDUE @BoilerBall

The Boilermakers are not an easy opponent for anyone and Trevion Williams is turning into a star, but he has to have some help for Purdue to make a run.

WEEK AHEAD: @Indiana (January 14), Penn State (January 17)

12. INDIANA @IndianaMBB

Perimeter shooting and three-point shots have eluded Indiana, something that needs to be addressed to augment the dominant play of Trayce Jackson-Davis.

WEEK AHEAD: Purdue (January 14), @Michigan State (January 17)

13. PENN STATE @PennStateMBB

After only playing seven games all season and have being idle since December 30 due to a Covid-19 outbreak, Penn State is hoping to pick up play this week.

WEEK AHEAD: Rutgers (January 12), @Purdue (January 17)

14. NEBRASKA @HuskerHoops

Another team hit by a virus outbreak. Nebraska has been idle for a while.

WEEK AHEAD: @Maryland (January 16)