SWAC Basketball: A calm weekend at the top allows Grambling State to maintain the No. 1 spot
Greetings to all, it's CWells your tour guide around the SWAC. Another weekend in the books means another set of power rankings by yours truly. This week's rankings were probably the most stable rankings that I've written. There wasn't much movement anywhere, Southern dropped another spot, while Bethune-Cookman rose a bit. The 7,8, and 9 spots remain a mess as no team was able to separate from the pack.
As we head into the final two weeks of the season 4 teams have 4 games left and 8 teams have 3 games left. That sets us up for an amazing finish. Other than the 12th spot, no one else has anything wrapped up and 9 teams are fighting for 8 spots. The fight for the last two spots is the race to watch as these teams duke it out. Someone will miss the dance because of 1 loss. On a bright note, Mississippi Valley picked up their first win of the season and ended a very, very long losing streak. The win was enough to move them up one spot in the rankings, and it's still a big moment for MVSU. With all of the formalities out of the way, let's get the rankings.
12. Prairie View A&M SWAC: 5-10 (Last Week: 10) (Last Weekend's Record: 0-2) (Upcoming Games: 3/2 vs AlcSU vs 3/4 vs JSU)
The Panthers have cooled off at the worst possible time and they drop to last in my rankings. In the UAPB game, the Panthers never stood a chance despite Charles Lane's 24 points. Brian Myles had his 4th double-double in 5 games with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Monday, the Panthers bottomed out in a 6-point loss to winless MVSU. Javonte Hopkins scored 17 points and Myles grabbed 22 boards. Two weeks ago the Panthers were positioned to fight for the final tournament spot. But another 0-2 weekend has them on the brink of elimination. The Panthers need to win their final 3 games to even have a chance at the 8th spot. I personally don't think they will get there.
11. Mississippi Valley State SWAC: 1-14 (Last Week: 12) (Last Weekend's Record: 1-1) (Upcoming Games: 3/2 vs UAPB)
Finally, the misery is over and the Delta Devils are in the win column and they move one spot in the rankings. With Monday's 57-51 win over Prairie View, MVSU snapped a 14-game SWAC losing streak (29 games overall). Rayquan Brown led the way with 21 points. In Saturday's game against TSU the Delta Devils were overmatched in a 21-point loss. Brown led the way again, this time scoring 12 points. The feeling of getting a win is a great thing, but those missed opportunities mean MVSU's season is over in two weeks. The only thing left is to try to finish strong.
10. Florida A&M SWAC: 4-11 (Last Week: 11) (Last Weekend's Record: 2-0) (Upcoming Games: 3/2 @GSU, 3/4 @SU)
This was a great weekend for the Rattlers as not only did they have their first 2-0 weekend. They also doubled their SWAC win total and have their first SWAC winning streak. FAMU used a 47-point second half to overcome a six-point halftime deficit to defeat Alabama State. Keith Lamar led the way with 22 points. On Monday the Rattlers blew open a close game to spank Alabama A&M. Keith Lamar sank 6 three-pointers while tallying 29 points in a dominant performance. Two home victories over teams fighting for tournament spots allow the Rattlers to move up the standings as the season comes to a close. Getting those wins won't be easy as FAMU hits the road to take on the SWAC's top two teams.