Marcus Fuller's Big Ten men's basketball rankings

1. Michigan (21-2, 10-2)

The Wolverines were humbled in a 15-point loss at Iowa, but they still have the most potential of any Big Ten team when they're executing offensively. (Previous rank: 1)

2. Purdue (16-6, 9-2)

The Boilermakers' seven-game winning streak is the longest in the Big Ten heading into Saturday's home game with Nebraska. (3)

3. Wisconsin (17-6, 9-3)

Brad Davison knows how to get under the skin of opposing fans with his play, but Ethan Happ's blowing kisses to the Gophers' crowd was a bold move. (4)

4. Michigan State (18-5, 9-3)

5. Maryland (18-6, 9-4)

The Terps are still in that second tier looking into the Big Ten title race, but they can make a statement Tuesday vs. Purdue at home. (3)

6. Iowa (18-5, 7-5)

The Hawkeyes showed their ceiling with a blowout win vs. Michigan, especially when freshman Joe Wieskamp plays at his best. (7)

7. Minnesota (16-7, 6-6)

8. Ohio State (15-7, 5-6)

The Buckeyes came out of a tough part of the schedule and were able to get back on track and still be in NCAA tournament contention. (10)

9. Indiana (13-10, 4-8)

Indiana's seven-game losing streak came to an end with an upset at Michigan State. More important, Juwan Morgan appears to be able to play after a scary shoulder injury. (11)

10. Rutgers (11-11, 4-8)

11. Nebraska (13-10, 3-9)

Tim Miles' NCAA tournament hopes are seriously in danger if he can't turn things around after a six-game losing streak. (8)

12. Illinois (8-15, 4-8)

After impressive upsets over Maryland and Minnesota, Illinois used Brad Underwood's trademark pressure defense to beat Michigan State and force 24 turnovers. (13)

13. Northwestern (12-10, 3-8)

14. Penn State (8-15, 1-11)