The updated AP Top 25 was released on Monday afternoon, and the Illinois basketball team is the big movers of the week.
Illinois had a 10-day layoff between games as the Michigan State Spartans program had some COVID-19 issues. Despite the long layoff, the Illini came out strong against No. 7 Iowa. Two well-played halves of basketball led to an Illinois win over the Hawkeyes, 80-75.
This was the lone game of the week for the then-No. 19 Illini. After the big top 10 victory, Illinois now finds themselves ranked No. 12 in the nation after a seven-spot jump in the AP Top 25.
The Big Ten is well represented in the latest AP Top 25. Michigan checks in at No. 4, Ohio State rose six spots to No. 7. Iowa, who lost to Illinois, only dropped one spot to No. 8. The Illini are the next team in the rankings for the Big Ten at No. 12. Wisconsin and Purdue round out the top 25 at No. 19 and No. 24, respectively.
What is ahead for the Illinois basketball program?
Iowa was the first game of the final nine-game stretch of the season. I had Illinois losing this game considering the long layoff. But Brad Underwood had this team ready, and I feel like we stole a game.
This week, the Illini have two games. On Tuesday, Illinois heads to Bloomington to take on the Indiana Hoosiers. A tough game but very winnable. The following game is No. 19 Wisconsin at home on Saturday. Again, a tough but winnable matchup for the Illini.
After beating Iowa and moving to 11-5 overall and 7-3 in the Big Ten, the Illini have two games this week which can boost this program into the top 10 once again. If we can come away with a 3-0 record to start the final nine games, then there is no telling how far this team can go come March. I believe the sky is the limit.