HOOPS INSIDER

INSIDE ONE OF COLLEGE ’S PREMIER CONFERENCES | COMPILED BY PATRICK STEVENS, SPECIAL TO GATEHOUSE MEDIA

STORY OF THE WEEK RANKING THE LEAGUE *

Minnesota encounters resistance: It was nearly a three-game losing streak for the Golden Gophers, who pulled out 1. Michigan State (9-1): Even if the Spartans a one-point triumph against Drake on Monday after trailing for much of the game. But that’s just the latest shaky weren’t loaded, being the last team in the showing for Richard Pitino’s team, which fell at Nebraska and Arkansas by double-digit margins after opening the league with less than two losses probably season 8-1. The Golden Gophers still have one of the nation’s most productive players in Jordan Murphy, but they’re would earn them the top spot at this stage. far from a finished product as they head into their exams break. (Last week: 1)

STOCK RISING STOCK FALLING 2. Purdue (10-2): The Boilermakers rank in the KenPom top 20 in both offensive and Nebraska: Maybe not a lot, but the Wisconsin: Over the previous 12 sea- defensive efficiency. They’re a complete Cornhuskers created all kinds of sons, the Badgers lost three games team capable of winning a ton of games headaches for Minnesota in a 78-68 at home by double-figure margins. over the next few months. (LW: 3) victory last week to secure a split They’ve already done so three times of their first two conference games. this season, the latest an 82-63 3. Maryland (8-3): It’s been a breakout Nebraska (7-4) hasn’t done much to suggest it will make shellacking at the hands of in-state rival Marquette. It season for Anthony Cowan Jr. at point a run at Big Ten title, but it is 5-0 at home entering Sat- makes sense Wisconsin isn’t as good without mainstays guard, something the Terrapins were eager urday’s visit from Kansas. It’s possible Glynn Watson Jr. Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig, but it’s still surprising to get out of the sophomore. (LW: 4) and his teammates can make life miserable for others the Badgers aren’t better when they have one of the who visit Lincoln later in the year, a group that includes nation’s best big men (Ethan Happ) in their lineup. They 4. Minnesota (9-3): Lost to Nebraska. And Maryland and Michigan. need to get things situated in a hurry, though they don’t Arkansas. And could have lost to Drake. The go on the road again until Jan. 5. Golden Gophers probably could use their mid-December break to reboot. (LW: 2)

5. Ohio State (8-3): The Buckeyes should WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT be 10-3 when they head to New Orleans to play North Carolina next weekend. That’s the next bellwether for a group that has overachieved so far this season. (LW: 5)

6. Michigan (8-3): Knocked off UCLA in over- time, which at least adds a quality victory to the Wolverines’ resume. This still seems like a team with its best days ahead of it. (LW: 6)

7. Penn State (8-3): When the Nittany Lions have won this season, they’ve played great defense. That’s going to be the difference for Tony Carr and Co. when league play resumes next month. (LW: 7)

8. Nebraska (7-4): Beat Minnesota, lost at Creighton. That’s not a bad split for the Cornhuskers, but a visit from reeling Kansas looms on Saturday. (LW: 9)

9. Northwestern (6-4): The Wildcats left no doubt — they’re better than Chicago State. A 55-8 halftime score will do that. (LW: 8)

10. Indiana (5-5): Hung with Louisville until the closing minutes after doing the same with Duke late last month. Moral victories aren’t popular in Bloomington, but these are still good signs for the Hoosiers’ competitiveness. (LW: 10)

11. Rutgers (8-3): The Scarlet Knights are 8-0 against teams outside power conferences. Alas, they only get a couple more of them before league play picks back up. (LW: 13)

12. Illinois (7-4): Neat game for the Illini on Saturday; they’re honoring former coach Purdue forward dunks against Valparaiso during the second half Dec. 7 in West Lafayette, Ind. Lou Henson in Chicago and playing New [MICHAEL CONROy/ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS] Mexico State (who Henson also led to a Final Four). (LW: 11) Purdue vs.Butler Weekend slate All times EST 13. Wisconsin (4-7): Even though the hole is Saturday, Noon, Bankers Life Field House, kind of the same as two years ago, it sure Time Game TV Indianapolis, Fox feels bigger for the Badgers. Losing fresh- SATURDAY Purdue has figured things out after dropping man Kobe King (5.2 ppg) to a season-ending Noon Michigan vs. Detroit ESPNU a pair of games in the Bahamas, but this will knee injury doesn’t help. (LW: 12) Noon Seton Hall at Rutgers BTN not be a fun test. While Butler (8-2) might 2 p.m. Northwestern at DePaul FS1 not be quite as strong as past seasons, it 14. Iowa (5-6): Snapped a four-game slide 2 p.m. Iowa vs. Drake BTN is still a tough, disciplined team that has against Southern, but there’s still danger 2:30 p.m. Indiana vs. Notre Dame Fox already knocked off Ohio State and Utah. lurking Saturday against a Drake team that 2:30 p.m. Michigan State vs. Oakland ESPNU Plus, the Crossroads Classic usually serves have Minnesota all it could handle. (LW: 14) 6 p.m. Appalachian State at Ohio State BTN as stellar platform for the Bulldogs to create 8 p.m. New Mexico State vs. Illinois BTN problems for an in-state foe. Butler is 5-1 8 p.m. Kansas at Nebraska FS1 in the event, including 3-0 against Purdue, *Records through Dec. 11 and F Kelan Martin will create matchup SUNDAY headaches. However, Purdue has more than 4 p.m. EST Penn State at George Mason Stadium its share of answers thanks to veteran bigs NUMBER OF NOTE Vincent Edwards and Isaac Haas and sopho- more guard Carsen Edwards and will aim for its sixth consecutive victory this year. 65 Point margin of victory for Northwestern in its 96-31 defeat of Chicago State on Monday, a school record. PLAYERS OF THE WEEK The previous mark was 57, set in 1944 against the University of Chicago. • F Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio * F Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah. and George Washington. State: Averaged 22.5 Michigan State: The * C Mike Watkins, Penn * G Glynn Watson Jr., 300 points, 7.0 rebounds and freshman produced aver- State: Managed 18.5 Nebraska: Had 29 points Career coaching victories for Purdue’s 1.5 assists to help the ages of 14.0 points, 8.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and nine rebounds to after the Boilermakers’ rout of IUPUI on Sunday. Painter Buckeyes defeat Michi- rebounds and 6.5 blocks and 5.5 blocks per game help the Cornhusk- is 300-149 in 14 seasons and 275-144 in 13 seasons at gan and William & Mary. to help the Spartans past as the Nittany Lions split ers secure an upset of Purdue. Rutgers and Southern games with Wisconsin Minnesota.

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