SEC Power Rankings: Kentucky slips, Tennessee takes top spot

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 06: Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates during the 61-59 win against the Kentucky Wildcats in the game at Rupp Arena on February 6, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 06: Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates during the 61-59 win against the Kentucky Wildcats in the game at Rupp Arena on February 6, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 09: Admiral Schofield #5 and Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate in the stands after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-73. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 09: Admiral Schofield #5 and Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate in the stands after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-73. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

1. Tennessee Volunteers

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Tennessee has played the toughest schedule in the SEC, with games against both Kansas and Gonzaga. The way they played these teams is to be commended, but the fact that they beat Gonzaga is to be celebrated in the SEC. Gonzaga is undeniably one of the best teams in the country, and Tennessee proved their worth in that game. It was competitive from start to finish, and Admiral Schofield put the team on his back in the final minutes to lead Tennessee to victory.

The Volunteers have a big game coming up against Memphis, but they should be able to get their record to 8-1 against the Tigers. After that, their schedule lets up for the rest of December.

The Volunteers have one of the best duos in college basketball in Schofield and Grant Williams. They combine for 37.8 points, 15.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists a game. Their abilities set the tone for the Volunteers, but their supporting cast brings it every night. This team can legitimately contend for a championship this year.

What truly carries this team is their offensive efficiency. They rarely turn the ball over, and they rack up a ton of assists on offense. This type of unselfish play is what carries teams to victory. These skills will carry with them throughout the whole season, and it is why they are currently the best team in SEC basketball.