Detroit News Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings: Week of Jan. 15

1. Purdue (17-2, 6-0) – It took a couple of favorable breaks in the last minute, but the Boilermakers won at Michigan to remain perfect in the Big Ten. For a team that hasn’t lost since early November, things are coming together. They might not get tested again in the Big Ten until Michigan comes to won for a rematch on Jan. 25. Last week: 2.

2. Ohio State (15-4, 6-0) – The confidence and momentum continues to build for the Buckeyes behind potential player of the year Keita Bates-Diop. They’re not loaded with talent, but Bates-Diop is a star and the experience on the roster is proving to be vital as they face a favorable schedule over the next couple of weeks. Last week: 3.

3. Michigan (15-4, 4-2) – The Wolverines nearly pulled off a remarkable week, but it was outstanding nonetheless. They lost by one at home to Purdue in a game they had every chance to win then bounced back by winning on the road against Michigan State. A busy week lies ahead with three games, but Michigan will be favored in every one. Last week: 4.

4. Michigan State (16-3, 4-2) – The Spartans could be in the midst of the most critical point of the season. After losing two of three, the question now is how do they respond? They’re still as talented, or more so, than any team in the conference, but the young roster is quickly learning that nothing is a given in the Big Ten. Last week: 1.

5. Indiana (11-7, 4-2) – The Hoosiers might be the team that best sums up the Big Ten this season – a roller-coaster. There have been huge wins and absolutely dumbfounding losses. But there might be a little momentum building in Bloomington as the Hoosiers have won five of six, including a blowout of Northwestern on Sunday. Last week: 9.

6. Penn State (13-6, 3-3) — The Nittany Lions didn’t feel great about losing at Indiana early in the week, but getting a conference victory on the road is hardly a given for the top team. Bouncing back and holding off a Nebraska rally at home on Friday was critical in keeping the Nittany Lions heading in the right direction. Last week: 5.

7. Maryland (14-5, 3-3) – The short-handed Terrapins got overwhelmed on the road against Ohio State and will be facing a tough test once again when they head to Michigan on Monday. The Terps have some talent in Anthony Cowan and Kevin Huerter while Bruno Fernando was freshman of the week last week, they don’t have the depth to push the top teams. Last week: 6.

8. Nebraska (12-7, 3-3) – The Cornhuskers had won five of six before heading to Penn State on Friday. They got behind by 16 in the second half but stormed back to tie the game before a late shot by the Nittany Lions ended the rally. The Huskers will need to find some consistency as they get Illinois and Michigan this week. Last week: 7.

9. Rutgers (11-8, 1-5) – The Scarlet Knights’ record shows they’re having their share of issues this season, but there have been glimpses of a young team buying into what second-year coach Steve Pikiell is selling. The latest piece of evidence was pushing Michigan State to overtime when Corey Sanders’ shot at the buzzer nearly went in for the win. Last week: 11.

10. Northwestern (11-8, 2-4) – The Wildcats took advantage of Minnesota’s sinking ship early in the week with a one-sided victory, but consistency has been unattainable this season and the Wildcats proved it once again by getting rolled on the road against Indiana on Sunday. Last week: 12.

11. Wisconsin (9-9, 2-3) – The Badgers have been in the last three games but have managed just one victory over that stretch. The odds of getting back on track this week will be tough with a trip to Purdue on Tuesday but a chance comes later in the week with a visit from Illinois. Last week: 10.

12. Minnesota (13-6, 2-4) – We might be in the midst of a spiral the Golden Gophers simply can’t pull out of. They’ve lost three straight and were embarrassed at home by Purdue. With Reggie Lynch suspended and Amir Coffey out with a shoulder injury, there’s not much optimism that things will get turned around. Last week: 8.

13. Iowa (10-9, 1-5) – The Hawkeyes finally got that first Big Ten win and they did it the hard way. Trailing by 20 in the first half at Illinois, they rallied back to force overtime then dominated in the extra period. Sure, it was a battle of winless teams in the conference, but the Hawkeyes will take any shred of positive news. Last week: 14.