Power Rankings
- No.6 Kentucky: 25-6 (15-3)
- No.17 Auburn: 25-6 (12-6)
- LSU: 21-10 (12-6)
- Florida: 19-12 (11-7)
- Mississippi State: 20-11 (11-7)
- Texas A&M: 16-14 (10-8) +1
- Tennessee: 17-14 (9-9) +2
- Arkansas: 19-12 (7-11) +2
- South Carolina: 18-13 (10-8) -3
- Alabama: 16-15 (8-10) -2
- Missouri: 15-16 (7-11)
- Ole Miss: 15-16 (6-12)
- Georgia: 15-16 (5-13)
- Vanderbilt: 11-20 (3-15)
Top Tier (1-4)
The top tier of the SEC is finally solidified with the conclusion of the regular season. The top three has stayed the same for most of the season. Kentucky, Auburn and LSU have been the three most dominant teams in the league throughout the season. Florida figured it out down the stretch and joins the other elites.
Kentucky ends the season once again at the top of the league. It was rocky at times as it always is with a young team. The Wildcats figured it out down the stretch and played very well in conference play. They’ll be in line for the highest NCAA Tournament in the conference despite tournament results.
Auburn has had an excellent season but has question marks heading into the postseason. The Tigers jumped out to a 15-0 start before road struggles hit them and they dropped two in a row. They would replicate that later in the season as they have now lost four of their last seven. The home-court has been their friend, losing just one game in Auburn.
LSU struggled with their nonconference schedule but shot out of the gun to start conference play. Their 8-0 start was enough to hold them in the top down the stretch as they have struggled mightily since. They ended the season with just a 4-6 record which is cause for concern now that March is here.
Florida is another team that struggled with the out of conference schedule. For a team that had such high expectations, the season has been somewhat of a letdown overall. However, they should find themselves safely in the tournament with a chance to make some noise in March.
Middle Tier (5-10)
The middle tier consists of the SEC teams that find themselves on the bubble. The numbers have greatly shrunk now that the picture has become clear. The window for the NCAA Tournament is slim, but should any of these teams can find some success in the SEC Tournament they’ll be able to pad their resume and make a good argument for an at large bid for the NCAA Tournament.
Mississippi State stands the best shot at making the tournament on the bubble. They got their 20th win with a blowout revenge win against Ole Miss. A win in the SEC Tournament would go a long way to making the NCAA Tournament.
Texas A&M, Tennessee and Arkansas all had good weeks. The Volunteers got a big road win at Rupp Arena against Kentucky. Texas A&M likewise got a big road game against ranked Auburn. Arkansas is doing just enough to stay on the bubble. Of the three teams, the Razorbacks have the best shot at the tournament but all three teams will need good SEC Tournament runs for a bid.
South Carolina and Alabama have essentially had their bubble burst. Both teams had bad weeks in which they both lost to bottom-feeder Vanderbilt. They’ll need to make the championship game Sunday and possibly even need to win it to make the dance now.
Bottom Tier (11-14)
It’ll be onto the 2020-2021 season for these teams barring a deep run in the SEC Tournament. For most, an NCAA Tournament bid will only come with a win on Sunday.
The four teams will kick off the SEC Tournament Wednesday as they try to make a miracle run. Realistically none of the four teams have much of a chance of playing past Thursday. Still, we’ve seen crazier things happen and the tournament should be a fun one even among the bottom teams.
Outlook
The final NCAA Tournament spots will come into sight over the next week. Four teams should be safely in with Kentucky, Auburn, LSU and Florida finishing strong in SEC play. Mississippi State will try and give the conference a fifth bid.
Keep an eye on the bubble teams that need a miracle. Texas A&M, Tennessee, Arkansas, South Carolina and Alabama should all of decent shots at making a big run. Should any of those teams pull off a hot streak this week they’ll put themselves in place to play a little longer in March.
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