12. Alabama (23-8)
This recent stretch for Alabama has really redefined their season, or at least what we believe this team can accomplish before it’s all said and done. The Crimson Tide have played a really tough schedule from start to beginning and have some nice wins, but this 8-game streak includes some really nice performances, including against the likes of Arkansas, Auburn, and most recently Tennessee.
The Crimson Tide couldn’t push that streak to 9 games though, falling 98-88 at Georgia to begin this week. Labaron Philon Jr. had 26 points and Latrell Wrightsell added 19 points but the defense was worked and the offense just didn’t keep up this time. Alabama’s bounce back certainly came on Saturday, completing a season sweep over their bitter rivals with a 96-84 victory against Auburn. Both Philon and Aden Holloway had 21 points apiece as the Crimson Tide shot 52% from the field in a demonstrative team win.
A largely fantastic back half of the SEC schedule has Alabama sitting pretty right now. Winning nine of ten games makes them one of the hottest teams in the country heading into the postseason and Nate Oats won’t complain about their Top 4 finish in the league. We know this offense can score with the best of them but the run-and-gun and lack of defense might just cost them at some point in the days ahead.