(A-P) – No. 7 Iowa and No. 19 Illinois will both be playing for the first time in over a week when they face off Friday. No. 4 Michigan leads the Big Ten standings but won’t be playing anytime soon Michigan has paused all athletic activities after several positive tests for a new COVID-19 variant that transmits at a higher rate.

Indiana forward Race Thompson fights for a rebound with Iowa center Luka Garza (55) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. Indiana won 81-69. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Michigan State will be playing for the first time in 20 days when it visits Rutgers on Thursday.