Amelia Rayno's Big Ten basketball power poll

big ten power poll

1. Iowa: Yes, the Badgers beat Iowa Jan. 5. But winning at Ohio State warrants the Hawkeyes at the top spot for now.

2. Wisconsin: Bloomington is still a tough place to play, as the Badgers were reminded this week.

3. Michigan State: The Spartans haven't made anything look easy — but credit Michigan State for getting it done.

4. Michigan: Who would have thought the Wolverines would get off to a 4-0 start without Mitch McGary?

5. Gophers: With the signature victory they had been seeking, things are beginning to look optimistic in the Twin Cities.

6. Ohio State: The current state of affairs can only be described as a free fall for the Buckeyes, who have now lost three straight.

8. Purdue: The Boilermakers need to learn how to hit free throws (worst in the Big Ten at 65.9 percent).

9. Illinois: A three-game losing streak, and the road ahead (Michigan State, Ohio State, Indiana) doesn't look any more friendly.

10. Penn State: The Nittany Lions haven't had an easy schedule so far, but two of their five losses came by just three points.

11. Northwestern: Chris Collins earned his first victory in an ugly but effective stunner over in-state rival Illinois.

12. Nebraska: With no wins to bolster confidence, the Cornhuskers get the Buckeyes for the second time in four games.