SWAC Basketball: Grambling State, Jackson State tops latest power rankings

6. University of Arkansas Pine Bluff 3-2 (upcoming games: 1/27 @ Southern, 1/29 @ Grambling State)

If you like shooters then you'll like the Golden Lions. This is a team that loves to shoot the 3bal (11.3 3-pointers made per game and 38% shooting)l. They have four of the league's top scorers: Kylen Milton (16.8 ppg), Rashad Williams (14.4 ppg), Lonnell Martin (12.6 ppg), and Joe French (12 ppg) UAPB plays an exciting brand of ball that I wish more people had a chance to watch. If only this team played defense as well as they score. Their inability to play consistent defense will probably hurt them. But if you're looking for a team to root for in a one-and-done situation, the Golden Lions should be that team.

5. Southern SWAC: 3-2 (upcoming games: 1/27 vs UAPB, 1/29 vs MVSU)

If you've read my first two articles (I know you have….), then you have an idea of who the Jaguars are. This team is another team that likes to push the tempo and hit deep 3's. They have the league's top scorer Tai'Ron Joseph (20.9 ppg) he is a threat from anywhere in the gym. Right now the Jags’ big issue is closing games, on their current losing streak they have blown double-digit leads in both games. I View the Jags as a wildcard right now because of their scoring ability. But until they learn to close games they cannot be considered more than a middle-of-the-pack team.

4. Bethune-Cookman SWAC: 3-2 (upcoming games: 1/27 vs Jackson State, 1/29 vs Alcorn State)

The Wildcats led by former NBA star and star of the old Hang Time TV show Reggie Theus, are a scrappy bunch. They don't have any one guy that you should fear, they are number 4 because they are resilient. They are never out of a game no matter how much they trail. Their offense isn't pretty but they get the job done. The Wildcats block shots well and don't turn the ball over. Jakobi Heady paces the team at 16.1 ppg, you can count on him to hit the needed big shot.