NCAA Basketball: Arizona, Baylor, and BYU rise in latest top 25 power rankings
By Joey Loose
17. Alabama (20-9)
Alabama might just have the best offense in the nation and it’s hard to argue against that based on some of the metrics and other figures. After struggling against a brutal nonconference schedule, the Crimson Tide got SEC play off to a fantastic start and are hanging tight near the top of the league standings. How would they respond after last weekend’s shootout loss at Kentucky?
They’d start that response in style, winning 103-88 at Ole Miss back on Wednesday night. Another offensive explosion saw Mark Sears with 26 points and Aaron Estrada with 18 points and 10 rebounds. That goodwill would run out over the weekend, as the Crimson Tide were tripped up 81-74 at home by Tennessee. Sears had 22 points and 6 assists and Estrada played well again with 16 points and 8 rebounds, but the Crimson Tide were just outdone down the stretch.
It’s hard to be too upset with a 12-4 mark in SEC play, especially when all four losses are to top contenders in this league. The Crimson Tide wish their situation was a bit better and have virtually no shot at the SEC regular season crown, but are playing impressive offensive basketball. They’ll just need to hone their defense a bit, especially at Florida this upcoming week.