The University of Illinois Men's Basketball Program has jumped back up in the Top 25 rankings to #15.
The Illini climbed with winning two Big Ten games in the past week: Indiana, and Penn State. The loss to then #19 Rutgers didn't help however, Rutgers is a strong team that could win a Big Ten title this year, in which I put them in contention with Iowa.
Big Ten Balls Out Again:
There 9 teams in the Big Ten in the AP Top 25. Quote it, 9. Less we do not forget, there is a tie in there too. Oregon and Minnesota are tied for the 21 spot. Ties are rare in the AP Poll but it's there. Minnesota has the massive win at home over Iowa, who was ranked #3 at the time. Watching Iowa fall is music to my ears(sorry Iowa fans) but they are one team in the Big Ten that I can't stand.
What's Next For The Illini:
The Illini are off until Jan. 2 and need a break after going through finals, and battling Penn State and Rutgers on the road, and they didn't stay out there like they would in a non-COVID world. The Illini have a chance to make more noise next week, hosting Purdue on Saturday, and traveling to #19 Northwestern on Tuesday.