This past weekend, the AP Top 25 was quite altered with regards to SEC basketball teams. Below, I will recap the latest in the poll, and what this means for the five ranked SEC teams.
SEC basketball teams shift in latest AP Poll Top 25
#4 Alabama, 26-5
Yes, Alabama has won 3 out of their last 4, but they’ve struggled mightily from beyond the three-point line, and were in jeopardy of losing those games to South Carolina, Auburn, and Arkansas.
Led by Freshman phenom Brandon Miller, the Crimson Tide have dropped from #2 to #4.
Usually dropping two spots wouldn’t mean much, but, around this time of the year, it’s actually quite important.
If Alabama wants to remain a #1 Seed in March Madness, they will have to flat out win the SEC Conference Tournament.
#17 Tennessee, 22-9
The Vols’ have dropped five spots in this week’s rankings, moving from #12 to #17.
Furthermore they lost point guard Zakai Zeigler, the Vols’ starting point guard, and SEC assists’ leader to a torn left ACL.
The Vols’ are a solid team and have a lot to look forward to, but the loss of Zeigler will surely hurt them as the SEC tournament and March Madness get underway.
#18 Texas A&M, 23-8
The Aggies surge continued last week as they defeated Alabama at home.
The Aggies are playing good ball at the right time, and are arguably one of the hottest teams at the moment in the SEC.
Thus, they’ve jumped from #24 to #18.
Regardless of the result in the SEC Conference Tournament, the Aggies will play in Mach Madness. However, getting far into the tournament would dictate their position as either a possible #3 or #4 in the annual NCAA March Madness tournament.
#23 Kentucky, 21-10
Kentucky stayed put in the AP top 25 rankings this week.
The Wildcats are one of the hottest teams in the SEC, winners of 5 out of their last 6.
They have one of the deepest teams, with at least four players scoring double-digit points.
Kentucky is expected to go far in the SEC Tournament, and with the way they are playing right now, a deep run in March Madness is within reach.
#25 Missouri, 23-8
Missouri, back in the Top 25, has won 4 straight.
They are showing glimpse of the offense that was 2nd in the SEC in PPG at 80.1.
They’ve scored 80 or more in three straight.
Keep this team on your radar, they will be a fun team to watch as the season concludes.