2017-2018 Week 14 Rankings Reaction: Few Changes This Week for Big Ten

The Big Ten’s top team’s were able to fend off some tough shots from inferior opponents this past week, keeping their conference title hopes alive.

There wasn’t too much notable movement in the national rankings this week. The nation’s top three has remained unchanged for the third week in a row, with Villanova, Virginia and Purdue hanging onto the top three spots. Michigan State has crept it’s way back to the top of both polls coming in at number four, their highest ranking since they held the top spot in both polls for week nine. Aside from Purdue, each Big Ten team that was ranked increased their positioning as we head into Week 14, a big week for the conference.

AP Top 25

• No. 3 Purdue
• No. 4 Michigan State
• No. 14 Ohio State
• No. 20 Michigan

Coaches’ Poll

• No. 3 Purdue
• No. 4 Michigan State
• No. 16 Ohio State
• No. 20 Michigan

Purdue avoids scare

Purdue had an unexpected test from Rutgers this weekend, but were able to stave off the upset. The Boilermakers did have the lead for most of the game, but a late push by the Scarlet Nights all but relinquished the Boilermaker’s 11 point half time lead. What could have been a disappointing loss will just go down as yet another W for Purdue as they hold their well deserved no. 3 ranking. Vincent Edwards has yet another magnificent performance, leading the team with 18 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. They will face their biggest week of the year when they take on the Buckeyes Wednesday, followed by the Spartans on Saturday.

Michigan State inches up to no. 4

Like Purdue, Michigan State was also able to fend off an inferior opponent late in the game, as they beat the Hoosiers by three points for their sixth straight win. No one player really dominated for the Spartans, as Matt McQuaid led the team with 12 points. Despite the slow game, the Spartans were able to prove once again that they are a very well rounded team, capable of getting production from a handful of players.

Ohio State gets ready for Purdue match up

Ohio State handled Illinois with ease behind what was perhaps Keita Bates-Diop’s most impressive performance of the year. He had 35 points to go along with 13 rebounds, as the Buckeyes roll into the big match up with Purdue, and a chance to regain the top spot in the conference standings. Purdue has a lot to be worried with this Buckeye’s team, as Bates-Diop continues to emerge as a star that can lead the Buckeye’s on its way to a potential Big Ten championship.

Michigan holds off Minnesota

Michigan won a tough overtime against Minnesota this weekend, allowing them to no only remain ranked, but shoot up to no. 20 with another conference victory. Despite getting torched by freshman Isaiah Washington for 26 points, the Wolverine’s were able to find away to pull out the win large in part to their two best players, Moritz Wagner and Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rakhman. I do think that 20 is a very generous ranking for this team given the difficulties they have holding off a very inferior team on their home floor, but they do have the capability to put up a strong fight against any team.