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SEC Basketball: Alabama on top, Kentucky falling in latest power rankings

By Tristan Freeman

Jan 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Darius Miles (12) and forward Juwan Gary (4) and guard Keon Ellis (14) react to a play against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Darius Miles (12) and forward Juwan Gary (4) and guard Keon Ellis (14) react to a play against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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SEC Basketball Cameron Thomas LSU Tigers (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SEC Basketball Cameron Thomas LSU Tigers (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

6. Florida Gators (10-5, 6-4)

The Gators had a four-game winning streak in the new year as well, including over Tennessee and a massive road win over West Virginia in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. Even with the recent loss to South Carolina and going on pause since then, Florida is in decent shape on the bubble to get an at-large bid.

That has to be considered impressive considering that star forward Keyontae Johnson is out for the season after collapsing on the court over a month ago, as well as Scottie Lewis not having that breakout campaign many were expecting. Instead, it was Michigan transfer forward Colin Castelton that has been great since league play, along with point guard Tre Mann leading the team with 14.5 ppg and 3.8 apg.

The rest of the regular season for Florida is filled with talented traps such as Auburn and Kentucky, along with Missouri and Arkansas as resume-building opportunities. How the team responds after being on “pause” will ultimately determine their at-large hopes.

5. LSU Tigers (13-6, 8-4)

The win over Tennessee on Saturday and the earlier loss on the season to Kentucky have been the exceptions to this point for the Tigers. They’ve effectively beaten the teams they were supposed to and lost to those “better” than them.

LSU has one of the best offenses in the country, led by star freshman Cameron Thomas and his 22.6 ppg average. Both Trendon Watford and Javonte Smart each are putting up over 16.0 ppg, while forward Dairus Days has 12.4 ppg and a team-leading 7.9 rpg. The problem is their defense is near the bottom in the SEC, giving up nearly 77 ppg.

Look for there to be a few more shootouts involving the Tigers in the regular season, with upcoming matchups against Auburn, Georgia, and Arkansas. They’re projected to make the tournament right now but a bad loss could have them sweating it out.

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