Where the Land Sharks Are: Feb 15th SEC Men's Basketball, NBA, and NHL Power Rankings

Hey there guys,
This weeks big moves in the SEC are Miss State jumping 3 places after home wins over Ole Miss and Auburn, in the NBA its the Miami Heat who closed out the first half blowing out Atlanta and Houston, and in the NHL its the Dallas Stars who finished the Pre Olympic Stretch on a hot streak. Those who dropped are Tennesee and Florida who both lost 2 games this past week and both were critical towards their post season future, in the NBA Memphis is starting to cool off at the wrong time dropping 3 spots, and in the NHL the Montreal Canadiens are struggling really bad right now as well. As always guys I love to know what you think.

SEC Men's Basketball

1. Kentucky Wildcats
Why: The Wildcats did not look like a top 5 team this past week having to fight for home wins over Alabama and Kentucky this past week. While they did win them both it seems as if they are hitting a cold streak at the wrong time with road games at Mississippi State and Vanderbilt looming this week.
2. Vanderbilt Commodores (+1)
Why: Vanderbilt (19-5, 8-2) had a great week with two wins this past week, one over LSU and the other a season sweeping win over in state rival Tennessee. This is a critical week for the Commodores as they have a road game at Ole Miss on Thursday followed by a home game against Kentucky this weekend. If they win both they are #1 in the SEC overall standings. And the SEC would be their conference to lose.
3. Mississippi State Bulldogs (+3)
Why: One of Four teams tied for third in the overall conference standings the Bulldogs (18-7, 6-4) are coming off a week where they won two home games, against rival Ole Miss and against Auburn. A win this week against Kentucky would be HUGE as far as their NCAA lives are concerned.
4. Tennessee Volunteers (-2)
Why: A tough week just finished for the Volunteers (18-6, 6-4) as they lost on the road at rivals Vanderbilt and Kentucky essentially knocking them out of Contention for the East and now they are behind the 8 ball in fighting for that other bye in the SEC Tournament. The Vols are going to need a strong finish to wrap a spot in the NCAA tournament.
5. Ole Miss Rebels
Why: This past week was the Rebels (17-7, 5-5) bye week with only one game, a loss at Miss State, they are hoping the rest can return to them F Reginald Buckner, since his absence the Rebels are 1-3. They are going to need him back as they have 2 tough home games this week with Vanderbilt and Florida coming to town. Wins against those two teams may bring the Rebels back into the bracket of 64.
6. Florida Gators (-2)
Why: With two losses this past week I am wondering if the fire may be cooling off the once red hot Gators (17-8, 6-4). To keep themselves in the NCAA Tourney race they really needed a win against Xavier but couldn't pull that off after losing to South Carolina during the week. While they have a home game against Auburn coming up they have a tough road test at Ole Miss this weekend.
7. Georgia Bulldogs
Why: The Bulldogs (11-12, 3-7) have the most deceptive record in the Conference as they are much better than their three conference wins indicate. This past week included a loss at Auburn and a comeback win at home against South Carolina. They have a road game at Tennessee this week, which if they pull off, would give them a season sweep of the Vols.
8. Alabama Crimson Tide (+1)
Why: With the win against Arkansas this past weekend Alabama (14-11, 4-7), has now won 1 of their last 5. They are hoping that this win will turn this season around as they are fighting for their post season, NIT, lives right now and they have a tough stretch ahead of them at Georgia, and home against the Mississippi teams.
9. Arkansas Razorbacks (-1)
Why: Even though they are still technically in 1st place in the West the Razorbacks (13-12, 6-4) you can just feel that their hot streak is wearing off as they lost at Alabama, one of the worst home teams in the SEC this season and they had also lost 5 of last 6. You may not see it in their record though as their next 3 games are against the three teams you see below.
10. South Carolina Gamecocks
Why: It seems as if the Downey affect is wearing off to some degree, as the Gamecocks (14-10, 5-5) and their defense have started to slow down over the recent weeks. this past week they pulled off a 6 point win at home against Florida but blew a late 7 point lead at Georgia. They need to play better on the road before I can start to believe they are better than #10.
11. Auburn Tigers
Why: Auburn (12-13, 3-7) really is not playing bad basketball. They have really only been blown out in one game, @ Tennessee, and their next biggest loss has been by 10 this past weekend, in overtime, at Mississippi State. This team, as have most of Lebo's teams over the recent years, relies too much on the 3. If they can find a solid offensive game plan, and a defense, they could make a rise next season.
12. LSU Tigers
Why: At this point the Bayou Bengals (9-16, 0-11) are on an 11 game losing streak and everyone is just looking forward to next season. They almost pulled off an upset at Vanderbilt this past Saturday and their solid defensive play might make them a surprise West Contender in 2011.

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