If you haven’t already, listen to Episode 10 of the Southeast Hoops podcast for full thoughts on Saturday’s SEC basketball action.
As for this week’s power rankings, we’ve officially reached that point where teams 7-12 are interchangeable. The biggest dilemma was the 11 and 12 spots, but luckily those two teams play each other on Wednesday.
Let’s dive into the rankings.
1. Kentucky (17-2, 7-0)
DeAaron Fox’s injury isn’t serious, which is big news for a Kentucky team that has an intriguing week ahead. Obviously, the showdown with Kansas on Saturday will be must-watch TV, but don’t overlook the Wildcats traveling to play tough-minded Tennessee.
This week: at Tennessee (1/24), vs. Kansas (1/28)
2. South Carolina (15-4, 5-1)
Sindarius Thornwell was the star of the show in the loss at Kentucky (34 points), and after a challenging week, the Gamecocks return home to play Auburn on Tuesday.
This week: vs. Auburn (1/24), at Missouri (1/28)
3. Florida (14-5, 5-2)
Rarely does a team lose two straight games and still stay at No. 3 in the league. But in Florida’s case, it’s still the third best team. However, Mike White and company have to get some things figured out after losing to South Carolina and Vanderbilt.
This week: at LSU (1/25), at Oklahoma (1/28)
4. Arkansas (15-4, 5-3)
The Hogs move up a spot with two solid wins last week. This week will test Arkansas, as it hits the road for two in a row.
This week: at Vanderbilt (1/24), at Oklahoma State (1/28)
5. Georgia (12-7, 4-3)
If Arkansas and Georgia played on a neutral court today, I’d probably take the Razorbacks. That’s why the Bulldogs fall a spot this week. The home win over Vandy was fine, but giving up a nine-point lead with under two minutes to go at Texas A&M was not ideal.
This week: vs. Alabama (1/25), vs. Texas (1/28)
6. Alabama (11-7, 4-2)
The Crimson Tide’s loss at Auburn wasn’t unexpected. Rivalry games are always a different beast, and this week will be a good gauge of where Alabama stands going forward.
This week: at Georgia (1/25), vs. Mississippi State (1/28)
7. Tennessee (10-9, 3-4)
Tennessee’s loss at Ole Miss earlier in the week was ugly, but it recovered with a blowout win over Mississippi State at home. It still feels like the Vols can beat anyone on any given night thanks to that brutal non-conference schedule.
This week: vs. Kentucky (1/24), vs. Kansas State (1/28)
8. Vanderbilt (9-10, 3-4)
Lose four in a row and then win at Florida. Makes sense, right? It was certainly a much-needed victory for Bryce Drew’s squad, which must keep the momentum going against two very good teams this week.
This week: vs. Arkansas (1/24), vs. Iowa State (1/28)
9. Mississippi State (12-6, 3-3)
Saturday’s loss at Tennessee was a classic example of a young team feeling deflated after coming up short against a Top 10 team. Ben Howland should have his team back on solid ground against Missouri.
This week: vs. Missouri (1/25), at Alabama (1/28)
10. Auburn (13-6, 3-4)
Getting Danjel Purifoy back and rolling past Alabama were definitely two positive developments for the Tigers. Their two road trips this week will be difficult.
This week: at South Carolina (1/24), at TCU (1/28)
11. Ole Miss (12-7, 3-4)
Ole Miss went 2-0 this past week, which is always a positive. Getting Deandre Burnett back was important for the challenging week ahead.
This week: vs. Texas A&M (1/25), vs. Baylor (1/28)
12. Texas A&M (10-8, 2-5)
The Aggies’ had a valiant effort in coming back to beat Georgia, but there are still obvious concerns with this team. How Texas A&M plays at Ole Miss will tell us a lot about whether the Aggies are starting to get back on the right track.
This week: at Ole Miss (1/25), at West Virginia (1/28)
13. LSU (9-9, 1-6)
Another week, another opportunity for LSU to give up 90+ points in conference play. The Tigers have now done that in four of seven SEC games.
This week: vs. Florida (1/25), at Texas Tech (1/28)
14. Missouri (5-13, 0-6)
It felt like Missouri had a great chance to take down Ole Miss on Saturday, but it was not to be. A win this week doesn’t seem likely.
This week: at Mississippi State (1/25), vs. South Carolina (1/28)
Blake Lovell has worked in sports media for over 10 years. He currently covers SEC football and basketball for various publications.