Each night is an adventure inside the Big Ten. The conference women’s basketball scene is as deep as ever, and the results reflect that with all kinds of interesting storylines.
Right now, there appears to be a solid top four and bottom five inside the league. UCLA, USC, Maryland and Ohio State in some order at the top. Penn State, Wisconsin, Rutgers, Purdue and Northwestern in some order at the bottom. That leaves a fluctuating middle nine that all feel the NCAA Tournament is possible.
Here are the latest USA TODAY Sports Network Big Ten women’s basketball power rankings. Rankings are reflective of games through Jan. 21.
1. UCLA (18-0)
Previously: No. 1
What to know: The Bruins had convincing wins over Penn State (in Los Angeles) and Baylor (in New Jersey) at the Coretta Scott King Classic on MLK Day. The East Coast swing continues with games at Rutgers and Maryland.
2. USC (17-1)
Previously: No. 2
What to know: After having their midweek game vs. Northwestern postponed, USC returned to action with a nice road win at Indiana. The Trojans play at Purdue Wednesday.
3. Maryland (16-2)
Previously: No. 4
What to know: While it might seem strange to see a team move up following a 38-point loss, Maryland’s MLK Day stumble vs. Texas isn’t indicative of the Terrapins’ place in the Big Ten. Maryland further cemented that with last Tuesday’s win over Minnesota. Thursday’s trip to Ohio State is even more pivotal.
4. Ohio State (17-1)
Previously: No. 3
What to know: Quite the head scratcher for Ohio State to give Penn State its first Big Ten win Sunday afternoon. But the Buckeyes have a great rebound chance Thursday vs. Maryland.
5. Michigan State (15-3)
Previously: No. 6
What to know: The Spartans picked up two road wins over Rutgers and Illinois and will look to make it three wins in a row Wednesday vs. Penn State.
6. Nebraska (15-4)
Previously: No. 8
What to know: A nice road win at Iowa spilled into a convincing MLK Day win over Wisconsin. Nebraska now waits for Sunday’s big home showdown vs. Ohio State.
7. Minnesota (17-2)
Previously: No. 5
What to know: The Golden Gophers drop after falling at Maryland last Tuesday, though a road win over Northwestern came Sunday to soften the blow. Minnesota hosts Michigan Wednesday night.
8. Michigan (13-5)
Previously: No. 9
What to know: The Wolverines have won three straight to get back on track ahead of an important week. Michigan plays at Minnesota Wednesday before hosting Michigan State on Saturday.
9. Illinois (13-5)
Previously: No. 10
What to know: Despite a tough home loss Sunday against Michigan State, last Thursday’s road win at Indiana shows Illinois isn’t fading despite key injuries.
10. Indiana (12-6)
Previously: No. 7
What to know: Following back-to-back home losses to Illinois and USC, the Hoosiers head out west to face Oregon on Friday and Washington on Monday.
11. Oregon (14-5)
Previously: No. 13
What to know: This rare thee-game home swing in the middle of conference play has started right for Oregon with wins over Purdue and Iowa. The Ducks host Indiana on Friday before a two-game swing in the state of Michigan.
12. Washington (13-6)
Previously: No. 12
What to know: The Huskies were swept in the state of Michigan but responded with Saturday’s win over Purdue. Washington hosts Iowa Wednesday and Indiana Monday.
13. Iowa (12-7)
Previously: No. 11
What to know: The Hawkeyes are free-falling with five consecutive losses. Another Wednesday at Washington would mark Iowa’s first six-game losing streak since 1999.
14. Penn State (10-9)
Previously: No. 15
What to know: It’s likely that Sunday’s stunning win over Ohio State will finish as a fluke, but what a way for Penn State to secure its first conference win. It ended a seven-game losing streak in the process.
15. Wisconsin (10-9)
Previously: No. 14
What to know: The Badgers have dropped seven straight following losses to Ohio State and Nebraska.
16. Rutgers (8-11)
Previously: No. 16
What to know: Rutgers hasn’t won since Dec. 21, and it doesn’t get any easier Thursday vs. UCLA.
17. Purdue (7-11)
Previously: No. 17
What to know: The Boilermakers also haven’t won since Dec 21, and they, too, have a huge challenge this week vs. USC on Wednesday.
18. Northwestern (7-10)
Previously: No. 18
What to know: After the Los Angeles fires postponed Northwestern’s West Coast games, the Wildcats returned to action Sunday with a home loss to Minnesota.
Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.
