It’s Monday, which means it’s once again time to look back at the week that was in SEC basketball and rank the teams from best to worst.
As always, remember that these rankings take more into account than just overall and conference win-loss records.
Let’s dive into the power rankings.
1. Kentucky (15-2, 5-0)
The Wildcats had an interesting week. They won a close game at Vanderbilt, and then struggled at times against Auburn (yet still won by 20).
This week’s slate looks much more interesting than it did several weeks ago, with both Mississippi State and South Carolina playing their best basketball of the season.
This week: at Mississippi State (1/17), vs. South Carolina (1/21)
2. Florida (14-3, 5-0)
There were shaky moments during Florida’s 2-0 week, but the Gators remain undefeated after making key plays down the stretch against Alabama and Georgia.
Wednesday’s game in Columbia will decide the SEC’s true No. 2 team.
This week: at South Carolina (1/18), vs. Vanderbilt (1/21)
3. South Carolina (14-3, 4-0)
The Gamecocks turned the ball over 42 times in two games last week, but won both games thanks to forcing 43 turnovers.
Without question, this is the biggest week of South Carolina’s entire season. Splitting games against the SEC’s top two would be big for resume purposes.
This week: vs. Florida (1/18), at Kentucky (1/21)
4. Georgia (11-6, 3-2)
Give the Bulldogs credit for nearly winning at Florida despite not having Yante Maten for the final four minutes of regulation and all of overtime.
Players are starting to step up around Maten and JJ Frazier, so that’s great news for Mark Fox and company.
This week: vs. Vanderbilt (1/17), at Texas A&M (1/21)
5. Arkansas (13-4, 2-3)
Mike Anderson’s squad bounced back from a home loss to Mississippi State by beating Missouri handily.
Winning both games this week would get the Razorbacks back on the right track.
This week: at Texas A&M (1/17), vs. LSU (1/21)
6. Alabama (10-6, 3-1)
An incredible performance from Corban Collins helped lift the Crimson Tide to a big road win at LSU.
Although the Tigers are terrible on defense, it was a huge confidence booster for Alabama after scoring a whopping 53 points in the second half.
A 5-1 start is still in reach with Missouri and Auburn this week.
This week: vs. Missouri (1/18), at Auburn (1/21)
7. Mississippi State (12-4, 3-1)
Ben Howland has the youngest team in the country on a roll right now. Winning at Bud Walton Arena is no easy feat, but that’s what the Bulldogs did last Tuesday.
It’s hard to see this team backing down from the challenges that come with playing Kentucky.
This week: vs. Kentucky (1/17), at Tennessee (1/21)
8. Tennessee (9-8, 2-3)
The Vols looked awful in their first game without Detrick Mostella, but bounced back quickly with a great performance at Vanderbilt.
Rick Barnes is doing a masterful coaching job this season, and that shouldn’t be overlooked just because of Tennessee’s record.
This week: at Ole Miss (1/17), vs. Mississippi State (1/21)
9. Texas A&M (9-7, 1-4)
It was yet another 20-plus turnover performance for the Aggies in their loss at Mississippi State. You simply cannot turn the ball over that much and win games in this league.
Being at home will help this week, but turnover problems could lead to an unthinkable 1-6 start.
This week: vs. Arkansas (1/17), vs. Georgia (1/21)
10. Vanderbilt (8-9, 2-3)
The Commodores played zero defense in their double-digit home loss to Tennessee, which was extremely disappointing given their effort against Kentucky earlier in the week.
The bad news? Vandy’s upcoming schedule is brutal.
This week: at Georgia (1/17), at Florida (1/21)
11. Auburn (11-6, 1-4)
The Kentucky score was a little misleading, as Auburn didn’t play all that bad in Lexington.
Getting Danjel Purifoy back healthy is still priority number one, and the Tigers have two home games this week that are certainly winnable.
This week: vs. LSU (1/18), vs. Alabama (1/21)
12. Ole Miss (10-7, 1-4)
Deandre Burnett’s injury in the first half of the Georgia game completely changed the Rebels’ entire week. He was in a walking boot on Saturday, so there’s no sure timetable for his return.
It’s tough to see Ole Miss beating Tennessee at home without him.
This week: vs. Tennessee (1/17), at Missouri (1/21)
13. LSU (9-7, 1-4)
Barring a miraculous turnaround, the Johnny Jones era in Baton Rouge appears to be over.
The Tigers are losing hope quickly after three straight blowout losses (two of those at home), and the upcoming schedule doesn’t offer much slack.
This week: at Auburn (1/18), at Arkansas (1/21)
14. Missouri (5-11, 0-4)
Speaking of teams that are likely staring at a coaching change next season, Missouri is not good.
It’s possible that the Tigers could sneak up and beat Ole Miss on Saturday if Burnett is still injured.
This week: at Alabama (1/18), vs. Ole Miss (1/21)
Blake Lovell has worked in sports media for over 10 years. He currently covers SEC football and basketball for various publications.