College Basketball Big Ten Power Rankings Tiers: Gamely Gophers

Tier V: Penn State, Rutgers, Indiana, Michigan

The cellar dwellers haven't had much to celebrate all season, but Michigan's stunner over Wisconsin tops this list. The Wolverines have been a punching bag for nearly the entire Big Ten season but managed to put together a complete 40 minutes to topple the Badgers.

There isn't much to get excited about in this tier, and it will take a magical four days in Minneapolis at the Big Ten Tournament to find a way into the Big Dance.

Tier II: Illinois

The Illini survived a home scare to Nebraska over the weekend and remain at least in the fight for the Big Ten regular-season title as likely the only team with any chance of catching Purdue. They did give the Boilermakers a bit of a fight on the road in Mackey Arena last month. Illinois could have a thrilling rematch on March 5 if they can pick up a game and get within one atop the Big Ten standings.

That will have to wait because a tricky Sparty is up next in East Lansing this weekend.

Tier III: Wisconsin, Northwestern, Nebraska, Michigan State

After weeks spent sharing the second tier with Illinois, Wisconsin slides down to our third tier after dropping three straight. Their most recent shortcoming was a stunning road defeat to Michigan on Wednesday night. Thankfully, they get a string of easier matchups, with their next five games coming against teams outside KenPom's top 50. They'll need to win all of them to be considered back in the second tier and may have to capitalize on their matchups with Illinois or Purdue to get back into the #2 seed conversation.

As for the others, they sit on the right side of the bubble but will need to stay afloat to make it to Selection Sunday.

Tier IV: Minnesota, Iowa, Maryland, Ohio State

It's been a rough season for everyone involved in our fourth tier, especially Ohio State. The Buckeyes have completely freefallen in Big Ten play, dropping eight of their previous nine since beating Rutgers on January 3.

Maryland and Minnesota may have an outside chance at an at-large bid if they put together an impressive February, and we'll bring our focus on Minnesota, led by head coach Ben Johnson. The Golden Gophers are now 6-5 in Big Ten play after beating Michigan State at the Barn on Tuesday and are in contention for a double bye in the Big Ten Tournament.

Tier V: Penn State, Rutgers, Indiana, Michigan

The cellar dwellers haven't had much to celebrate all season, but Michigan's stunner over Wisconsin tops this list. The Wolverines have been a punching bag for nearly the entire Big Ten season but managed to put together a complete 40 minutes to topple the Badgers.

There isn't much to get excited about in this tier, and it will take a magical four days in Minneapolis at the Big Ten Tournament to find a way into the Big Dance.