3. Grambling SWAC: 8-3 (Last Week: 2) (Last Weekend's Record: 1-1) (Upcoming Games: 2/17: @ TSU 2/19 @ PVU)
Grambling has lost 3 games in SWAC play and all 3 were at home. That's an oddity for a team that is a title contender. The Tigers shut down Bama State on Saturday using a quick start to allow them to coast to a victory. Kintavious Dozier poured in 21 points to guide GSU to victory. Monday was a game to forget, the Tigers couldn't get anything going in an upset loss to AAMU. GSU couldn't hit anything in the game (29% field goals, 12% 3-pointers, 59% free throws). Dropping to second place isn't the end of the world for the G-Men, they are still in a great position to get the number 1 seed. Even after the loss, they remain my favorite to win the title.
2. Bethune-Cookman SWAC: 7-4 (Last Week: 5) (Last Weekend's Record: 2-0) (Upcoming Games: 2/17: @ AlcSU 2/19 @ JSU)
The big winner in the rankings is BCU, they jumped 3 spots. You're right, there are two teams that climbed 4 spots, but the Wildcats had the best win. This team continues to knock off teams ahead of them. Monday's matchup against TSU was a heavyweight fight, Zion Harmon led all scorers with 20 points. Saturday's win over PVU was easier, Jakobi Heady (21 points) helped the Wildcats race to a 12 point halftime lead. I really like this team a lot, this Mississippi road trip can help the Wildcats put the league on notice. But it won't be an easy task, but I won't doubt this team.
1. Southern SWAC: 9-2 (Last Week: 1) (Last Weekend's Record: 2-0) (Upcoming Games: 2/17: @ PVU 2/19 @ TSU)
The Jaguars are the hottest team in the league right now, winners of 6 straight. Southern played two entirely different games this weekend. Against AAMU it was a Murphy's Law kind of game, if anything could go wrong it did go wrong. But they were able to make just enough plays to get the win. Brandon Davis had 20 points on the night. Against Bama State, the Jags led most of the game and made winning plays all night. Derrick Tezeno scored 19 points and Tijiane Doumassi dished out 12 assists. The Jags are in show and prove mode which means every game is a test for them. I don't know how long they will stay hot but this team is now a legitimate title contender.
It seems like each week is crazier than the previous week, I am looking forward to all the chaos that will happen over the next three weeks. As a fan I want every battle to go the distance. But as the writer of these power rankings, I would love to see some teams create major separation. A guy can dream right? As we get closer to the finish line I will share my thoughts on all the races for tournament seeds. I'm your tour guide around the SWAC signing out and make sure to exit the SWAC bus carefully.