SEC Basketball: Kentucky, South Carolina rise in latest 2023-24 power rankings

8. Missouri Tigers

Previous Ranking: 6

Dropping two spots from No. 6 to No. 8 in this week’s update is Missouri, as the Tigers had a bit of a slow start to the year. Across their first five games, the Tigers would defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Southern-Illinois Edwardsville, and Minnesota, as well as fall to Memphis and Jackson State, but have since won three-straight with wins over South Carolina State, Loyola-Maryland, and Pittsburgh.

Remaining on Missouri’s non-conference schedule are home games against Wichita State and Central Arkansas, as well as a road trip to Kansas. The Tigers will also face Seton Hall and Illinois on a neutral-court.

7. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Previous Ranking: 8

Rising a spot from No. 8 to No. 7 is Mississippi State, as the Bulldogs are off to a strong start to the year. As to what that start included, Mississippi State would begin the season with wins over Arizona State, UT-Martin, North Alabama, Washington State, Northwestern, and Nicholls State, but dropped their most recent game on the road at Georgia Tech.

Now sitting at 6-1 overall, Mississippi State has home matchups against Southern, Murray State, and Bethune-Cookman remaining in their non-conference schedule. The Bulldogs will also face Tulane, North Texas, and Rutgers on a neutral-court.