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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 Missouri Tigers Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Basketball Missouri Tigers Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Missouri Tigers (13-5, 6-5)

The Tigers are a frustrating team to judge sometimes. They’re capable of beating both Illinois and Alabama, but also can get blown out by 15+ to Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Their rotation of upperclassmen has given them an advantage in this type of season and the trio of Dru Smith, Xavier Pinson, and Jeremiah Timon have been effective when healthy.

Outside of the regular-season finale against Florida on the road, the Tigers should be favored in the other games. Assuming Tilmon is healthy and ready to go, they should be able to win the next four matchups. That’ll be how they remain as one of the top-16 overall seeds for the NCAA Tournament.

3. Arkansas Razorbacks (16-5, 8-4)

The Razorbacks had a rough stretch towards the beginning of SEC play, losing four of five and giving up 90+ points twice. Since then, the defense has improved enough to give them a chance to win, which they have in six straight in conference action, including recently against Missouri in overtime.

Freshman guard Moses Moody leads the team with 16.3 ppg, one of five players on the team averaging in double figures. The second-leading scorer, JD Notae (13.0 ppg), comes off the bench and should easily be the SEC 6th Man of the Year. They run an effective nine-man rotation that can be big or small depending on the situation.

The winning streak has propelled Arkansas from a bubble team to safely projected into the NCAA Tournament and a home win over either Alabama, LSU, or Florida will all but guarantee it. They’ll need some better defensive performances to start getting believers that they can win big in March but right now, looks to be in great shape.

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