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Iowa Basketball: Big Ten Power Rankings

By Kenny Levine

Feb 17, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery reacts to a play against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at the Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery reacts to a play against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at the Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 16, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) smiles after a foul in the second half of the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Mackey Arena. Purdue won 71-61. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) smiles after a foul in the second half of the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Mackey Arena. Purdue won 71-61. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Purdue (21-7, 9-6)

The Purdue Boilermakers came into this season with very high expectations.  The team was returning four starters and also got highly regarded freshman Caleb Swanigan.  However, much like Maryland, talent only takes you so far.  Purdue has really struggled against top competition this season.  Losing twice against Iowa, at Maryland, at Butler, and at Indiana Saturday night.  They did beat Michigan State on February 9th, but they also blew an 18 point lead in that game.

The problem for the Boilermakers is that while they have a dominant inside game with A.J. Hammons, Caleb Swanigan, and Vince Edwards, unlike Indiana, they do not have great shooters to balance the offense.  Nonetheless, Purdue has a golden opportunity to prove me wrong this upcoming Saturday when it takes on the Terrapins at Mackey Arena.

Next: Number 5

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