9. University of Arkansas Pine Bluff SWAC: 7-8 (Last Week: 9) (Last Weekend's Record: 1-1) (Upcoming Game: 3/2 @MVSU)
We now enter the most chaotic point in the rankings as we hit the spot where teams are battling for that 8th and final tournament spot. UAPB had another .500 weekend which keeps them firmly in the 9 spot. Saturday's victory over PVU was a by the books game as the Golden Lions led the bulk of the game. Ismael Plet's double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds) led the way. Monday's game against TSU was a missed opportunity as the Golden Lions blew a second-half lead to lose by 7. Kylen Milton scored 20 points in the loss. Out of the three teams tied at 7-8, UAPB has the toughest path. They hold no tiebreakers so they would need to win out and hope the other two drop a game to get in. The Golden Lions will need to play their most consistent ball to achieve that goal.
8. Alabama A&M SWAC: 7-8 (Last Week: 6) (Last Weekend's Record: 0-2) (Upcoming Game: 3/2 vs AlaSU)
The Bulldogs continue their journey up and down these rankings as they dropped two spots this week. Saturday AAMU lost a heartbreaking game on a BCU jumper with 5 seconds left. Jayland Randall led the way with 17 points. The Bulldogs were surprisingly blown out on Monday against FAMU. AC Bryant and Omari Peek scored 9 points apiece. This was a horrible weekend for the Bulldogs as they failed to take hold of one of the final two spots. Saturday's Bama State game is a must-win because the Bulldogs' final two games are against the SWAC's top two teams. The Bulldogs are my pick for the 8th seed.
7. Alabama State SWAC: 7-8 (Last Week: 7) (Last Weekend's Record: 0-2) (Upcoming Game: 3/2 @AAMU)
Sometimes good can be gained from something bad and this week that was the case for the Hornets. Even though they had a disappointing 0-2 weekend, they remain in the 7 spot. Bama State blew a 6-point halftime lead in a loss to FAMU. TJ Madlock scored 20 points in the loss. Monday's game was a thriller as the Hornets lost in overtime to BCU, Madlock scored 23 points but it wasn't enough. The Hornets have a great opportunity to grab a firm hold of the 7 seed as the host AAMU on Saturday. Bama State holds tiebreakers over AAMU and UAPB. The Hornets haven't been playing their best ball lately but I think they can do just enough to get into the tournament.