Ohio State Basketball: Buckeyes ranked again, more Big Ten teams should be

The Ohio State basketball team fell out of the Top 25 during a rough stretch but is now ranked again. More Big Ten teams should be.

During a stretch when the Ohio State basketball team lost six of seven games, including five of six in the conference, the Buckeyes dropped out of the rankings. They are once again ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll and No. 25 by the Coaches.

It’s a little hard to believe Ohio State is the fourth highest ranked team Big Ten team but is tied for seventh in the conference. Anybody who has followed the Big Ten this season probably think other teams are being slighted.

Before looking at that situation, here are Big Ten teams ranked  in this week’s polls.

• Maryland No. 7 by both the AP and Coaches
• Penn State No. 9 by both the AP and Coaches
• Iowa No. 20 by both the AP and Coaches
• Ohio State No. 24 by Coaches, No. 25 by the AP
• Michigan State No. 25 by Coaches

Now for a look at unranked teams having fine seasons.

• Rutgers 18-8 and 9-6 in Big Ten play
• Illinois 16-9, 8-6
• Wisconsin 15-10, 8-6
• Michigan 16-9, 7-7
• Purdue 7-8, 14-12
• Indiana 16-8, 6-8

You can see each of these teams had a winning record in their non-conference schedule, they just beat up on each other. And winning on the road in conference play is a big challenge.

If you have watched Big Ten basketball games this season you know it has looked like NCAA Tournament action most of the time. Plenty of talented players on the floor and teams battle on nearly every possession.

Even though there are only four conference teams ranked in this week’s AP Poll and five in the Coaches Poll, don’t be surprised when you see a few more playing in March. The Big Ten will be well represented.