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NCAA Basketball: Tennessee rises up, Texas Tech falls in latest top 25 power rankings

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 5, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) and forward Uros Plavsic (33) celebrate during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) and forward Uros Plavsic (33) celebrate during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe Kentucky Vs Georgia Jan 8 2022
Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe Kentucky Vs Georgia Jan 8 2022 /

6. Tennessee Volunteers

Coming off the massive win over Auburn, it was interesting to see how the team would respond and if they’d have a letdown on the road at Georgia. Although it was close, the Vols were able to wi 75-68, led by 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists from veteran Josiah Jordan-James. And on Senior Night, Tennessee’s balanced attack was enough to beat Arkansas at home by a few points to end the regular season with a 14-4 SEC record and a 3 seed in the conference tournament.

After a rough patch midway through, this team has found itself and is one of the hottest teams entering the NCAA Tournament. They’re a darkhorse not only to win the SEC Tournament but potentially make a deep run in the Big Dance as well.

5. Kentucky Wildcats

Oscar Tshiebwe continues to make the case that he’s the favorite for National Player of the Year, at least based on the numbers. Against Ole Miss this past week, the big man went for 18 points and 15 rebounds in the win, along with 27 points and 15 rebounds to beat Florida this past weekend. Guards Sahvir Wheeler and TyTy Washington are getting back to 100% health and the Wildcats are making a case for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

In order to get that though, they’ll have to get past the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament potentially in the Auburn Tigers, also in play for a top spot in the Big Dance. That’s one of the most anticipated potential matchups for Championship Week, which would have a lot on the line.

4. Baylor Bears

The Bears are slowly getting healthier and healthier, with Adam Flagler and James Akinjo getting on the court together and wreaking havoc. The duo had 19 points each in a hard-fought road win over Texas on Monday and combined for 33 points in the victory over Iowa State on the weekend. The star of that game though was Kendall Brown, who went for 16 points and 10 rebounds.

As the Co-Big 12 regular-season champs with Kansas, Baylor looks to be in the 2 seed range with an outside shot at getting a 1. They’ll likely have to win the Big 12 Tournament title to do so but even more importantly, they’re getting healthy at the right time in the backcourt. And that’s something they’ll have to rely on after losing big man Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua for the year.

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