WISCONSIN (15-5, 5-2)
\nThe Badgers have spent more time atop the Big Ten than anyone, but evened the field this weekend when they lost in Michigan. \nNormally Wisconsin would be considered unbeatable at home, but North Dakota State gave everyone hope when it upset the Badgers in the Kohl Center. \nKammron "Chris Rock" Taylor has joined Alando Tucker to provide an ample one-two punch on offense, but the attack has been streaky all season.\nWhere the Badgers end the season will most likely depend on their final two games at Michigan State and Iowa.\n
MICHIGAN (15-3, 5-2)
\nLast week the Wolverines weren't involved in many discussions of Big Ten supremacy. But upsetting Michigan State and Wisconsin in the same week suddenly has Michigan tied atop the \nconference. \nThis team won't be able to bank on home wins for long though, as it has more road games than home games awaiting it. \nThe trips to Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State should prove particularly telling.\n
ILLINOIS (19-2, 5-2)
\nDespite losing three of its starters from a year ago, Illinios has maintained an impenetrable defense that ranks among the best in the Big Ten along with Iowa's.\nSeniors Dee Brown and James Augustine have risen to the challenge of replacing Deron Williams and company.\nThe Illini shouldn't get comfortable because much traveling awaits them. Perhaps the most difficult remaining schedule includes trips to Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan, Minnesota and Michigan State.\n
IOWA (16-5, 5-2)
\nThe Hawkeyes just upset two ranked teams at home. They are tied for first place in the Big Ten. And they don't have to travel to Wisconsin or Michigan State from here on out. \nIowa is a traditional Big Ten basketball team, shooting poorly but scrapping to win games with defense, rebounding and second chance buckets. \nSo long as this team doesn't get in a shoot out, it should be fine. The season should come down to Iowa's trips to Bloomington and \nChampaign.\n
IU (12-5, 4-3)
\nWin two road games and the Hoosiers are alone in first place in the Big Ten.\nLose two road games, as happened this week, and suddenly IU is struggling more than any other team on this list. \nThe Hoosiers must respond back in the safety of Assembly Hall as they welcome Northwesten and No. 1 UConn this week. \nEventually the team will need to figure out how to win on the road as Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan are all undefeated at home in conference play.\n
OHIO STATE (14-3, 4-3)
\nOhio State leads the conference in scoring and it's a good thing considering poor production on defense. \nThe Buckeyes utilize a small, guard-heavy lineup similar to their Final Four days. Je'Kel Foster, Jamar Butler and Matt Sylvester all rank among the Big Ten's top 3-point shooters.\nThe road ahead is appealing as Big Ten bottom dwellers litter Ohio State's remaining schedule.\n
MICHIGAN STATE (16-5, 4-3)
\nThe Spartans are a defending Final Four team, so their guys know what it takes. \nCombine that experience with playing four of the last five games at home and you've got someone sitting pretty in the Big Ten.\nThat one road game -- at IU. Think it might be a big one?
