Busting Brackets
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SEC Power Rankings: Kentucky slips, Tennessee takes top spot

By Dakota Cox

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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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 11: Members of the Arkansas Razorbacks bands cheer in the game against the Vanderbilt during the semifinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 11: Members of the Arkansas Razorbacks bands cheer in the game against the Vanderbilt during the semifinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

7. Arkansas Razorbacks

Last Week: 9th (↑ 2)

Arkansas is a weird team. I could see them as one of those teams that steamrolls into conference play and comes to a screeching halt against the first good SEC team they face. They haven’t truly been tested, or at least passed a test.

The Razorbacks are 1-2 in games that have been decided by three points or less. This is bad for two reasons: they aren’t closing out games, and they probably shouldn’t have already had three games decided by so few points. The upset by Western Kentucky was not a good look for this team. We’ll see if they can turn things around against UTSA and Georgia Tech.

This team is led by star sophomore Daniel Gafford. at 6’11”, his 18.5 points and 8.8 boards is terrorizing opponents. Another spark has been the emergence of freshman Isaiah Joe. His 16.4 points a game is second on the team.

Their numbers are a bit padded due to their opponents, but they have proven to be a truly dynamic team. Their offensive numbers are high in the league, scoring 86.1 points a game. However, their free throw numbers are upsetting, only making 62.7%. This has led to their close games over the season.

If they can keep their firepower going and work on free throws, they should be fine as the season progresses. If they don’t prepare for a daunting SEC schedule, this will be the highest ranking the Razorbacks get.

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