Purdue’s Braden Smith, Cam Heide, Trey Kaufman-Renn on Maryland win
Hear what Purdue’s players said after the Boilermakers defeated Maryland 83-78
After expecting to learn a lot about Big Ten men’s basketball from the first round of conference play, we mostly learned this league could — again — become a bruising battle royale for the crown.
Give UCLA an early leg up — and the top spot in my rankings below — for going on the road and toppling previously unbeaten Oregon. Purdue, Illinois and Maryland were also reminded how tough life on the road will be the first 18-team version of this gauntlet.
The gritty Nittany Lions were my biggest upward mover, while I began to ponder if I overreacted to one Cornhusker road win played less than an hour from home. Or, as I prefer to measure Nebraska distances, about four Runzas away.
1. UCLA (8-1, 2-0)
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Finally escaped the sun-soaked nightmare of southern California to win a potentially pivotal game in Eugene. Put a pin in that one and revisit in late February.
2. Purdue (8-2, 1-1)
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Got absolutely punked by Penn State to fall from No. 1 for first time. Still has more big wins than anyone else in the league.
3. Illinois (8-2, 1-1)
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If Brad Underwood’s going to troll Robbie Hummel while delivering his pizza it should at least be from Monical’s.
4. Oregon (9-1, 1-1)
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Gotta steal one back on the road after Bruins came in and had their best shooting night on Ducks’ rims.
5. Michigan State (8-2, 2-0)
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Started warming up during a tough nonconference schedule, then set fire to the Great Plains on Big Ten’s opening week.
6. Maryland (8-2, 1-1)
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If Derik Queen keeps hitting 3s like he did at Purdue … good luck, Big Ten.
7. Michigan (8-2, 2-0)
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Per Big Ten bylaws, takes ownership of the Heartland Trophy by beating Wisconsin and Iowa in same week.
8. Penn State (8-2, 1-1)
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ICYMI, that 11-point home win over Purdue was a 27-point game with under 10 to play. Legit beatdown.
9. Ohio State (6-3, 1-1)
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The most volatile team in the league right now, but maybe Aaron Bradshaw’s return can stabilize.
10. Wisconsin (8-3, 0-2)
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Lost at home to Michigan and at Marquette and Illinois in an eight-day span. Next up: Butler on “neutral court” in Indy.
11. Indiana (8-2, 1-0)
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Can quiet skeptics (*raises hand*) by rising to the occasion at Nebraska on Friday.
12. Northwestern (7-3, 1-1)
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Overlooking the one-point loss at Iowa for now because Wildcats backed it up with home win over Illinois.
13. Iowa (7-2, 1-1)
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Copy and paste: Had a chance to complete statement-making week, but defense let it down.
14. Nebraska (6-2, 0-1)
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That win at Creighton growing into a distant memory after a forgettable trip to East Lansing.
15. Rutgers (6-4, 1-1)
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Actually, is THIS the Big Ten’s most volatile team? Freshmen have to grow up quick.
16. USC (6-4, 1-1)
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The drop-off from 15 to 16 in this conference plummets farther and faster than any coaster at Magic Mountain.
17. Washington (7-3, 0-2)
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Blowout loss at home to Trojans was grungiest thing to hit Seattle since Mudhoney.
18. Minnesota (6-5, 0-2)
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Pig Ate My Pizza unfortunately closed, but you can still get some of their tasty pies on the menu at Nouvelle Kitchen and Brewery.
