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College Basketball Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 15

By Connor Muldowney

Feb 7, 2017; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Moritz Wagner (13) moves the ball on Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2017; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Moritz Wagner (13) moves the ball on Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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After an eventful Week 14 of college basketball filled with upsets, do we have a new No. 1 in the Big Ten power rankings for Week 15?

We are now just a few weeks away from the end of February and the beginning of what is nationally known as March Madness. The college basketball season is just starting to get intriguing for many and that includes fans of teams from the Big Ten.

While college basketball is always interesting, the upsets are becoming more prevalent and we are now starting to see which teams could make runs in March and which will be left behind searching for answers.

Not just this year’s contenders are making themselves known, but young teams that have searched for their identities all season long are beginning to prove that they will be a force for years to come.

Here are the Week 15 Big Ten basketball power rankings. Do we have a new No. 1?

14

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Last week: (13-13, 2-11 Big Ten)
Last rank: 13th

Rutgers enjoyed a one-week break from being the last-place team in our Big Ten power rankings, but the Scarlet Knights are right back where they seemingly belong. They lost two in Week 14 — one to Minnesota and the other to Ohio State. Neither game was a sign of any type of improvement on either side of the ball for Rutgers.

Offense continues to be an issue for Rutgers and that includes top scorer Corey Sanders. While the sophomore guard has been one of the best young stars in the league, his mediocre shooting percentage is hurting the Scarlet Knights. He averaged 15 points per game in Week 14, but he shot just 10-of-28 from the field. That has to be an area of concern.

13

Illinois Fighting Illini

Last week: (14-12, 4-9 Big Ten)
Last rank: 14th

On the opposite note of Rutgers, Illinois will get out of the basement after spending one week as the No. 14 team in our power rankings. Is Illinois the worst team in the Big Ten? No, but the Fighting Illini might be the most underperforming group. The talent is there, led by Malcolm Hill, but they’re just not playing consistently and as a team.

This could very well be John Groce’s final season as the Illini’s head coach but his team is still fighting to give him another chance. Illinois won its fourth conference game of the season against Northwestern on the road which was a huge confidence-builder, but it took a step back with a home loss against Penn State.