SEC Basketball power rankings: LSU remains on top, Ole Miss falls down

SEC Basketball power rankings: LSU remains on top, Ole Miss falls far down

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Emmitt Williams #24 of the LSU Tigers celebrates a basket from the bench against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 19: John Petty #23 of the Alabama Crimson Tide defended by Jordan Bone #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

#8. Alabama Crimson Tide 12-9 (4-4 SEC)

NET: 41 | KenPom: 46 | BPI: 59

The Nate Oats era got off to a slow start in non-conference play, but it looked as if the Crimson Tide was starting to hit its stride in SEC play. They certainly pass the eye test with a high-octane offensive attack that includes a pair of studs in Kira Lewis and John Petty.

Alabama had won four straight, including a drubbing of then-undefeated Auburn, and had an opportunity to boost the resume in a big way last week. Unfortunately, things did not go according to plan.

The Crimson Tide lost convincingly on the road at LSU Wednesday and followed that up by blowing a big lead at home and falling to Arkansas. To make matters worse, Alabama has lost a key piece and starter in Herbert Jones indefinitely following wrist surgery.

With 9 losses already on the season, Alabama needs to sweep against Tennessee and Georgia this week to set up another critical pair of resume-boosting games against Auburn and LSU the following week.

#7. South Carolina Gamecocks 13-8 (5-3 SEC)

NET: 74 | KenPom: 82 | BPI: 86

South Carolina was a very difficult team to rank. They could very easily be a spot or two higher and very well may be in a week or two. They are certainly trending upward in a big way after a huge win at Arkansas and a blow-out of Missouri.

While the analytics are trending upward, the Gamecocks are still a step behind in most ratings. They are probably still paying for early losses to Boston and Stetson. However, winning games matters and South Carolina has won three straight and holds a signature victory over Kentucky.

It is believed that teams take on the personality of their coach, and Frank Martin’s squad is playing tough, physical, and relentless. A.J Lawson and Jermaine Couisnard lead a deep rotation and it appears this team is hitting their stride at the right time.

South Carolina has a navigable stretch over the next couple weeks, and if they continue to rack up wins you can expect to see their name higher on this list and more frequently in bracketology projections.

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