SEC Basketball Power Rankings: December 5

This week in SEC basketball was once again a mixed bag.

You had a few teams score nice victories, and you had others that left you scratching your head.

Let’s dive into this week’s SEC power rankings.

1. Kentucky (7-1)

It turns out UCLA is pretty good. The Wildcats simply couldn’t get enough stops to win, but they’re still easily the best team in the SEC. They’ll learn from it and be even better.

This week: vs. Valpo (12/7), vs. Hofstra (12/11, Neutral)

2. South Carolina (8-0)

The indefinite suspension of Sindarius Thornwell is bad news for one of the only undefeated teams left in the country. Duane Notice has already stepped up in his absence, and the Gamecocks get a week off before an intriguing showdown with Seton Hall.

This week: Off

3. Florida (7-1)

Mike White’s squad picked up another win over an in-state team this week in a blowout victory over North Florida. However, we’re about to find out what the Gators are made of when they play Duke in the Jimmy V Classic on Tuesday. Then they get Florida State on Sunday. That’s a tough week.

This week: vs. Duke (12/6, Neutral), at Florida State (12/11)

4. Texas A&M (4-2)

The Aggies had the week off before facing an easy trio of games this week. That seven-point loss at UCLA doesn’t look too shabby now.

This week: vs. Texas A&M CC (12/5), vs. Denver (12/7), vs. South Carolina State (12/10)

5. Arkansas (6-1)

It was a simple week for the Razorbacks. This team continues to have great balance with four players averaging double figures, so that’ll need to continue this week in a sneaky good matchup against Houston.

This week: vs. Houston (12/6), vs. North Florida (12/10)

6. Auburn (6-1)

There’s no longer any doubt that the Tigers have a chance to turn a lot of heads this season, especially with the current play of freshman phenom Mustapha Heron. Danjel Purifoy and Jared Harper have also been fantastic. There’s simply a lot to like about this team.

This week: Off

7. Georgia (5-3)

Although the Bulldogs have yet to find their groove this season, their three losses (Clemson, Kansas, and Marquette) are far from terrible. Still, this team has to find a rhythm soon or it’ll fall even further down the rankings. After getting the week off, Georgia is probably looking at a four-game win streak before traveling to the next team on the list.

This week: Off

8. Ole Miss (6-2)

Getting down 48-19 at halftime to MTSU on Wednesday was far from ideal, but the Rebels made up for that loss with a solid win over Memphis. Only one of their six wins has come by more than eight points, so take that for what it’s worth. At least they’re finding ways to win close games. Sunday’s game at Virginia Tech will tell us more.

This week: at Virginia Tech (12/11)

9A. Alabama (4-3) and 9B. Vanderbilt (4-4)

Yes, I’m grouping these two teams together. Here’s why: Both are finding ways to lose games down the stretch. Alabama had a great opportunity to pick up a win at Texas, and Vandy had a great opportunity to pick up a win against Minnesota. Neither did.

And the upcoming schedule for both teams? Far from forgiving. The Crimson Tide get Oregon and Clemson in two of their next three. The Commodores get MTSU, Chattanooga, and Dayton in three of their next four.

It’s crucial that these two find a groove before Christmas.

This week, Alabama: at Oregon (12/11)

This week, Vandy: vs. High Point (12/6), at MTSU (12/8)

11. LSU (5-2)

Don’t look now, but Johnny Jones’ team has two quality wins (Old Dominion and Houston) thus far this season. Three straight wins seems likely after a break this week.

This week: Off

12. Mississippi State (6-2)

Just when we thought the Bulldogs were doomed, Quinndary Weatherspoon decided to put off surgery and continue playing this season. That certainly gives this young Mississippi State team hope going forward.

This week: Off

13. Tennessee (3-3)

The Vols beat a bad Georgia Tech team this past week, but will face a much different ACC challenge on Sunday when they travel to Chapel Hill to play North Carolina. That could get ugly.

This week: vs. Presbyterian (12/6), at North Carolina (12/11)

14. Missouri (4-3)

It was an interesting week for the Tigers. Things started with a home loss to North Carolina Central and ended with a close win over a pretty bad Western Kentucky team. Arizona is on the schedule this week. You can probably guess how that one will go.

This week: vs. Miami OH (12/6), vs. Arizona (12/10)