We're back once again with our weekly SEC Hoops Power Poll. This week, we had 10 different blogs covering SEC basketball contribute in the voting. Results are listed below.
With only one week and two games of regular season action remaining, things are reaching their apex in the SEC. The SEC Championship race is officially down to two teams, Alabama and Florida, as both teams are tied atop the league standings with identical 11-3 records. One team will clinch at least a share of the title when all eyes turn to Gainesville and ESPNU for Tuesday night's clash between the two league leaders.
As far as NCAA Tournament contenders, Florida, Kentucky and Vanderbilt all remain locks, and are fighting to improve their seeding for the Dance. Tennessee is probably a lock as well, though their seeding has taken a beating in recent weeks. Georgia remains on the bubble but is in pretty good position, while Alabama likewise remains on the bubble but now needs some wins in the next two weeks to make a case for selection.
There is also final jockeying going on for SEC Tournament seeding. In case you missed it yesterday, you can find seeding probabilities for each team right here.
#1...(22-6, 11-3 SEC)...projected NCAA #3 seed
Last week: Knocked off Georgia at home, but then fell at Kentucky.
This week: They'll play for the SEC Championship this week, first against Bama at home (Tuesday, ESPNU) then on the road at Vanderbilt.
Outlook: The Gators showed they are beatable at Kentucky, but they are still just one home win over Alabama away from claiming their 5th SEC Championship.
#2...(21-7, 9-5 SEC)...projected NCAA #5 seed
Last week: The 'Dores dropped their second game of the year in Memorial Fortress to Tennessee, but got a win on the road at LSU.
This week: They'll travel to Kentucky (Tuesday, ESPN) before closing with Florida at home.
Outlook: The 'Dores are playing for an SEC Tournament bye and a high NCAA seed. Both are within reach.
#3...(20-8, 8-6 SEC)...projected NCAA #6 seed
Last week: Fell yet again on the road at Arkansas in OT, but then knocked off league-leading Florida at home.
This week: Vanderbilt at home (Tuesday, ESPN), then Tennessee on the road.
Outlook: The 'Cats still haven't found the key to winning on the road, but they're deadly at home, and could be in the postseason as well.
Tie--#4...(19-9, 11-3 SEC)...projected NCAA #12 seed
Last week: Escaped with their lives at home against Auburn but couldn't finish off Ole Miss on the road.
This week: Bama will play for an SEC Championship this week, first at Florida (Tuesday, ESPNU) then against Georgia at home.
Outlook: The Tide have let up a bit the last two weeks, but the upcoming week is what will define the season.
Tie--#4...(19-9, 8-6 SEC)...projected NCAA #10 seed
Last week: Fell at Florida, but then pounded South Carolina at home.
This week: They'll get LSU at home (Wednesday, SEC Network), before closing with a big game at Alabama.
Outlook: The 'Dawgs are doing just enough to earn a bid to the Dance. One more win should have them safe.
#6...(17-12, 7-7 SEC)...projected NCAA #9 seed
Last week: Stunned Vandy in Memorial Fortress, then laid an egg and lost at home to Mississippi State.
This week: The Vols must travel to South Carolina (Thursday, ESPN) before closing with Kentucky at home.
Outlook: Is there a more schizophrenic team in college basketball? You'd be hard pressed to find one.
#7...(18-10, 7-7 SEC)
Last week: Upset Kentucky at home in overtime, then clawed their way to another last-second win at Auburn.
This week: Mississippi State at home (Wednesday, CSS), then Ole Miss on the road.
Outlook: The Hogs are thinking SEC Tournament bye and NIT bid. Both are possible, but they need wins this week.
Tie...#8...(18-11, 6-8 SEC)
Last week: Fell to South Carolina on the road, but rebounded to beat Alabama at home.
This week: They go to Auburn (Wednesday, SEC Network), then get Arkansas at home.
Outlook: The Rebels' have been stellar against the SEC West this year (6-2). Two winnable games this week would bolster their SEC Tournament seeding and their NIT hopes.
Tie...#8...(15-13, 7-7 SEC)
Last week: Hard to explain losing to LSU at home then beating Tennessee on the road.
This week: Arkansas on the road (Wednesday, CSS), then South Carolina at home.
Outlook: The LSU loss was baffling, but the Tennessee win puts them one win away from securing an SEC Tournament bye, which could make them a darkhorse in Atlanta.
#10...(14-13, 5-9 SEC)
Last week: Pulled out a win against Ole Miss at home but then were thumped by Georgia on the road.
This week: Tennessee at home (Thursday, ESPN), then Mississippi State on the road.
Outlook: The Ole Miss win was nice, but they're already assured of finishing last in the East, and won't be making any postseason appearances.
#11...(11-18, 3-11 SEC)
Last week: Upset Mississippi State on the road and then started strong against Vandy at home before getting blown out.
This week: They'll travel to Georgia (Wednesday, SEC Network) before closing with Auburn at home.
Outlook: The Tigers can stake claim on the SEC's 11th spot once and for all with a win against Auburn on Saturday.
#12...(9-19, 2-12 SEC)
Last week: Scratched and clawed their way to two heartbreaking buzzer-beating defeats: first at Alabama and then at home against Arkansas.
This week: Ole Miss at home (Wednesday, SEC Network), then LSU on the road.
Outlook: Scrappiest team in the league right now, but it probably won't keep them from finishing dead last.
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For the record, my votes in the poll:
1) Florida
2) Vanderbilt
3) Kentucky
4) Alabama
5) Georgia
6) Tennessee
7) Ole Miss
8) Arkansas
9) Mississippi State
10) South Carolina
11) LSU
12) Auburn
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