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.
Insider: Purdue followed new path to familiar results in Maryland win
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.
Insider: IU’s past and future met in the middle Monday, flattening Minnesota
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.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Big Ten men’s basketball power rankings after first conference games
