4. Kentucky Wildcats
Previous Ranking: 3
Even despite the Wildcats having won five of their last six games, Kentucky drops a spot to No. 4 in this week’s update, but as was the same with LSU, it is no fault of their own. The Wildcats lone loss during that span came against UCLA, with Kentucky having also defeated teams such as Yale and Michigan.
Having concluded non-conference play, Kentucky will open SEC action December 28 by traveling to Missouri.
3. Tennessee Volunteers
Previous Ranking: 4
The top three teams in this week’s update are all very close, with Tennessee rising a spot to No. 3 to kick off the group. Currently 10-2 on the year, the Volunteers have gone 4-1 during December with wins over Alcorn State, Eastern Kentucky, Maryland, and Austin Peay, as well as their lone loss at Arizona.
Tennessee, having now concluded non-conference play, will open SEC basketball play December 28 at Ole Miss.