Big Ten Hoops Weekly - Volume 4

Conference-Only Efficiency Stats

Team	Pace	Offense (PPP)	Defense (PPP)	Efficiency Margin
Indiana	66.5	1.15	0.97	0.19
Michigan	61.9	1.17	0.99	0.18
Michigan State	64.5	1.06	0.98	0.09
Wisconsin	59.4	0.98	0.92	0.06
Ohio State	62.8	1.01	0.97	0.04
Minnesota	60.8	1.08	1.04	0.04
Iowa	65.7	0.98	0.99	-0.01
Illinois	64.4	1.00	1.07	-0.06
Purdue	63.7	0.96	1.05	-0.10
Nebraska	61.8	0.91	1.02	-0.11
Northwestern	60.2	0.98	1.09	-0.11
Penn State	64.6	0.85	1.06	-0.22
Average	63.0	1.01	1.01

Tempo-Free Aerial

Plus/Minus Standings

The biggest road win in the conference race was Indiana earning a solid road win against the Buckeyes. But they were upset against Illinois, so that's somewhat a wash. Only other conference road wins were Purdue over PSU, MSU over Purdue, and Illinois over Minnesota. Michigan can get right back to the top of the race with a road win in the Breslin Center this Tuesday night during rivalry week.

Team	+ / -	Record	Road Wins	Home Losses	Road Games
Michigan State	4	9-2	IOWA, PSU, WIS, PUR		3
Indiana	4	9-2	IOWA, PSU, NW, PUR, OSU	WIS	3
Michigan	3	8-3	NW, MIN, ILL		3
Wisconsin	2	8-3	NEB, IND, ILL	MSU	4
Ohio State	2	7-4	PUR, PSU, NEB	IND	3
Minnesota	-1	5-6	ILL	MICH, ILL	4
Purdue	-1	5-6	NEB, PSU	OSU, IND, MSU	4
Northwestern	-1	4-7	PSU, ILL	MICH, IOWA, IND	3
Iowa	-1	4-7	NW	IND, MSU	3
Illinois	-2	4-7	NEB, MIN	MIN, NW, MICH, WIS	4
Nebraska	-3	3-8	PSU	WIS, PUR, ILL, OSU	4
Penn State	-6	0-11		IND, NW, MSU, NEB, OSU, PUR	4

Power Rankings

1. MICHIGAN STATE (20-4, 9-2)

LAST WEEK: Won vs Minnesota (61-50), Won at Purdue (78-65)

THIS WEEK: vs Michigan (Tuesday), at Nebraska (Saturday)

I had the Spartans fourth in these rankings last week, and now they're at the top by default. The other four Big Ten contenders all split games with each other, while Michigan State was able to take care of business against two middle-of-the-pack teams. They have a monster showdown with in-state rival Michigan at home on Tuesday. With a 3-game stretch of vs Indiana, @ Ohio State, and @ Michigan following this week, the Spartans would be wise to hold serve at home against the Wolverines.

2. INDIANA (21-3, 9-2)

LAST WEEK: Lost at Illinois (72-74), Won at Ohio State (81-68)

THIS WEEK: vs Nebraska (Wednesday), vs Purdue (Saturday)

The Hoosiers inexplicably blew a double-digit lead in Illinois, losing on an embarrassing blown assignment on defense that allowed Tyler Griffey of all people to cement his place in Illinois basketball history. The Hoosiers did bounce back admirably with a complete performance in Columbus yesterday, however. They shouldn't be challenged this week, but their last five games will be significantly harder.

3. MICHIGAN (21-3, 8-3)

LAST WEEK: Won vs Ohio State (76-74 OT), Lost at Wisconsin (62-65 OT)

THIS WEEK: at Michigan State (Tuesday), vs Penn State (Sunday)

Michigan had quite the week, participating in two of the best games so far in the college basketball season. They were able to pull it out at home against the Buckeyes, but couldn't win at the Kohl Center yet again. Their brutal four game stretch ends with an in-state trip to East Lansing Tuesday. It's their last imposing road-trip in the Big Ten, however, and if they could pull off the victory, they could be the team to beat down the stretch.

4. WISCONSIN (17-7, 8-3)

LAST WEEK: Won vs Iowa (74-70 2OT), Won vs Michigan (65-62 OT)

THIS WEEK: at Minnesota (Thursday), vs Ohio State (Sunday)

It might've taken three extra overtime periods, but the magic of Kohl Center yielded two more nice wins for Wisconsin. Ben Brust's miracle will live on forever for sure, but it helps Bo Ryan remain in the hunt for his 12th straight, top-4 finish in the Big Ten. Interesting road game at the Barn this week against a Minnesota team with their backs against the wall.

5. OHIO STATE (17-6, 7-4)

LAST WEEK: Lost at Michigan (74-76 OT), Lost vs Indiana (68-81)

THIS WEEK: vs Northwestern (Thursday), at Wisconsin (Sunday)

The Buckeyes were quietly going about their business entering this week and were in position to really make a charge at the top this past week. But they lost a heart-breaker in Michigan and weren't able to rebound against the Hoosiers at home. Suddenly it seems the Buckeyes don't have a prayer for the championship. They have an opportunity to make a statement in Madison next weekend though.

6. ILLINOIS (17-8, 4-7)

LAST WEEK: Won vs Indiana (74-72), Won at Minnesota (57-53)

THIS WEEK: vs Purdue (Wednesday), at Northwestern (Sunday)

Not sure any team had as big of a week as the Illini, who suddenly revived their NCAA hopes with the huge upset of #1 Indiana at home. Just as important though, they avoided a letdown and got a quality road win in Minnesota. They have a great chance this week to solidify their postseason hopes.

7. IOWA (15-9, 4-7)

LAST WEEK: Lost at Wisconsin (70-74 2OT), Won vs Northwestern (71-57)

THIS WEEK: at Penn State (Thursday), vs Minnesota (Sunday)

The Hawkeyes really could've gotten right back into the thick of the NCAAs if they were able to pull off the upset in Madison. Instead they lost a heart-breaker in double overtime, leaving themselves some work to do. They still have a favorable schedule down the stretch with two winnable games this week.

8. MINNESOTA (17-7, 5-6)

LAST WEEK: Lost at Michigan State (50-61), Lost vs Illinois (53-57)

THIS WEEK: vs Wisconsin (Thursday), at Iowa (Sunday)

The Golden Gophers have continued their struggles after a good start in the league play. They've lost 6 of their last 8 and suffered an inexcusable loss yesterday at the Barn to the Illini. Their inconsistency on offense is maddening as they weren't able to score 60 points in either of their losses this week. It's up to Tubby Smith to get his team turned around before it's too late.

9. PURDUE (12-12, 5-6)

LAST WEEK: Won at Penn State (58-49), Lost vs Michigan State (65-78)

THIS WEEK: at Illinois (Wednesday), at Indiana (Saturday)

The Boilermakers briefly ended their slump in State College, but weren't able to stay with MSU at home. They shot just 1-15 from behind the arc this week as a team. Two tough road-trips upcoming for Matt Painter's team is not what the doctor ordered.

10. NORTHWESTERN (13-11, 4-7)

LAST WEEK: Lost at Iowa (57-71)

THIS WEEK: at Ohio State (Thursday), vs Illinois (Sunday)

Bill Carmody's team wasn't able to use the extra rest during the week to steal a road win in Iowa City. Matters got worse as the Wildcats' front-court suffered two big injuries to C Alex Olah (possible concussion) and PF Jared Swopshire (right leg injury).

11. NEBRASKA (12-12, 3-8)

LAST WEEK: Won vs Penn State (67-53)

THIS WEEK: at Indiana (Wednesday), vs Michigan State (Saturday)

The Cornhuskers had this past week off until their Saturday night win over lowly Penn State. Pray for them this week as they face the two conference leaders at the moment.

12. PENN STATE (8-15, 0-11)

LAST WEEK: Lost vs Purdue (49-58), Lost at Nebraska (53-67)

THIS WEEK: vs Iowa (Thursday), at Michigan (Sunday)

It was another week full of 'welp' for the Nittany Lions, as they really didn't show up and take advantage of their best remaining opportunities for a conference win. Pressure's on from here on out as that's the only interest remaining with this team.

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