SiriusXM Big Ten Radio’s college basketball power rankings

Pete Pistone and the rest of the SiriusXM Big Ten Radio team will 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.The NCAA Tournament is fast-approaching, and the Big Ten remains in the hunt to put as many as 10 or even 11 teams into “The Big Dance.” The battle for supremacy at the top of the conference standings as well as those teams battling at the bubble spots will make the next month or so incredibly interesting and — for more than a few players, coaches, and fans – tense as the regular season heads for the finish line.

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

1. OHIO STATE  @OhioStateHoops

The Buckeyes are one of the hottest teams in the country right now, and Ohio State’s squad is coming together at the right time of the season.

WEEK AHEAD: Indiana (2/13)

2. MICHIGAN @umichbball

The Wolverines remain idle as they continue to deal with the aftermath of a virus issue in Ann Arbor. Michigan looks to get back into action later this week.

WEEK AHEAD: @Wisconsin (2/14)

3. ILLINOIS @IlliniMBB

A road win against Indiana and a big victory at home versus Wisconsin definitely have Illinois in a better place these days. Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu are playing as well as any duo in the country.

WEEK AHEAD: @Nebraska (2/12)

4. WISCONSIN @BadgerMBB

A rebound win over Penn State to avenge a loss just three days prior to the Nittany Lions was the highlight for Wisconsin, as the Badgers then dropped a road game against Illinois.

WEEK AHEAD: @Nebraska (2/10), Michigan (2/14)

5. IOWA @IowaHoops

This team is heading in the absolute wrong direction, losing a stretch of four in five games. The Hawkeyes seem a bit lost on both ends of the court, adding up to the skid.

WEEK AHEAD: Rutgers (2/10), @Michigan State (2/13)

6. PURDUE @BoilerBall

The Boilermakers were rolling until a loss against Maryland slowed things down. But Matt Painter’s team came back the next time out with a 75-70 win over Northwestern.

WEEK AHEAD:  @Minnesota (2/11)

7. RUTGERS @RutgersMBB

The five-game January losing streak is in the rearview mirror as Rutgers continues to play much better basketball in recent outings. They are over .500 in the conference and look to add to that record this week.

WEEK AHEAD: @Iowa (2/10), Northwestern (2/13)

8. INDIANA @IndianaMBB

A big win over Iowa gave Indiana a needed shot in the arm after the Hoosiers lost a tough one to Illinois. Better play from Trayce Jackson-Davis has been a key component for Indiana.

WEEK AHEAD: @Northwestern (2/10), @Ohio State (2/13)

9. PENN STATE @PennStateMBB

Not even remotely the same team that started the year, Penn State’s chemistry has come together in an entertaining way for fans in Happy Valley.

WEEK AHEAD: @Michigan State (2/9), Nebraska (2/14)

10. MINNESOTA @GopherMBB

Look out below. All of a sudden the Gophers are falling faster than the winter temperature in Minneapolis. Minnesota can’t afford too many more stumbles.

WEEK AHEAD: Purdue (2/11), @Maryland (2/14)

11. MARYLAND @TerrapinHoops

The up and down season continues for Maryland, who can look great one night (beating Purdue) and not so great the next (losing to Penn State).

WEEK AHEAD: Minnesota (2/14)

12. MICHIGAN STATE @MSU_Basketball

The margin for error and losses is razor thin for this Michigan State squad still trying to find its way after the Spartans were sidelined by Covid-19.

WEEK AHEAD: Penn State (2/9), Iowa (2/13)

13. NORTHWESTERN @NUMensBBall

Free falling despite playing at least some competitive ball in stretches.

WEEK AHEAD: Indiana (2/10), @Rutgers (2/13)

14. NEBRASKA @HuskerHoops

Could Nebraska go winless in conference play this year? It’s looking like a distinct possibility.

WEEK AHEAD: Wisconsin (2/10)