Thanks to a two-win week that included impressive victories over Alabama and Arkansas, the Florida Gators remain in position for a top-10 finish. The Gators clocked in this week at No. 11 in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll and No. 12 in the AP Poll. They are one of only two SEC teams, the other being No. 1 Kentucky, in the top 25 of either of the polls.
Feb 18, 2012; Florida Gators guard Scottie Wilbekin (5) dribbles around Arkansas Razorbacks guard Rickey Scott (3) during a game at Bud Walton Arena. Florida defeated Arkansas 98-68. Beth Hall-US PRESSWIRE
The only team the Gators jumped in both polls was Baylor as the Bears were coming off of two straight losses. Because no other team in the top-10 lost, the Gators only rising a few spots can be easily explained. Florida is up from No. 12/14 last week.
With only four games remaining in the regular season, a regular season finale against Kentucky could play greatly into tournament seeding. If they beat Kentucky, even if they lose all of their other games, they would likely be a lock for a top-3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. By winning out the rest of their games, they could potentially finish with an even higher seed.
On the other hand, if the Gators lose the remainder of their games, they could be fighting for a spot in March through the SEC tournament. Although it is HIGHLY unlikely that Florida will miss the tournament, it is still important to the Gators’ seeding that they finish the regular season on a high note. The Gators have a great opportunity to set up a deep tourney run.
The Gators will continue to fight for a favorable spot in the tournament. That fight continues Tuesday against Auburn. The NCAA Tournament is less than a month away and will be upon us before we know it.
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Tags: Alabama Crimson Tide, AP Poll, Arkansas Razorbacks, College Basketball, Florida Gators, Kentucky Wildcats, SEC, USA Today Coaches' Poll
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