SWAC Basketball: Alabama A&M rises as Alcorn State tumbles in latest power rankings
What's happening, Busting Brackets family? It's your friendly tour guide around the SWAC CWells and it's time for another edition of my SWAC power rankings. Last week's rankings were chaos. This week all the movement was done in the lower portion of the rankings. After the first nine SWAC games, there appears to be a solid top-four team.
Of course our last-place team hasn't changed and it may never change. Spots 5 - 11 will continue to be the most fluid as no one has established themselves as a consistent team. Each team has 9 SWAC games left and there are only 8 tournament spots available. These last few weeks will be like a crazy game of musical chairs. The fun is watching to see which team doesn't get a seat when the music stops. So sit back, relax, and enjoy another set of power rankings.
12. Mississippi Valley State: 0-9 (Last Week: 12) (Last Weekend Record: 0-1) (Upcoming Games: 2/10 vs JSU 2/12 vs AlcSU)
The only constant in these rankings has been MVSU, the Delta Devils completed the first half of SWAC play at 0-9. Saturday's game against UAPB was more of the same, falling behind big early and then battling back in the second half. Danny Washington and Arecko Gipson led the team with 22 points apiece. Gipson also had a double-double, adding 10 rebounds. With 9 games left in conference play (4 home 5 away), the Delta Devils would probably need a miracle to make the SWAC tournament. I'm still holding out hope that they will be able to win at least one game.
11. Florida A&M: 2-7 (Last Week: 10) (Last Weekend's Record: 0-2) (Upcoming Games: 2/10 vs TSU 2/12 vs PVU)
The state of Alabama was tough for the Rattlers this weekend, losing both games despite Jalen Speers’ best efforts (38 total points). FAMU continues to be what I call an “almost team”, meaning they almost find a way to win. After making the SWAC tournament in their first season, they are in severe danger of missing the party for the second straight year. If the Rattlers want to make the tournament they need to string together wins, which is something they have yet to do.
10. Jackson State: 4-5 (Last Week: 8) (Last Weekend's Record: 0-2) (Upcoming Games: 2/10 @ MVSU 2/12 @ UAPB)
The Tigers are in a free fall, losing 4 straight games. Injuries have been a factor for JSU, so you hope they can get right before it's too late. Poor shooting has hurt JSU especially in their last two games. Ken Evans continues to pace the Tigers with 31 total points this weekend. At this point, the Tigers just need a win to feel good about themselves and a trip to MVSU could be just what they need. This team is too talented (when healthy) to count out of the tournament.