12

Kentucky Wildcats

When trying to predict future NCAA Tournament success, particularly the national champion, we turn to history and numbers for guidance.

Alabama is one of several SEC teams in position to grab the fourth No. 1 seed.

As we approach the midpoint of conference play, let's take a closer look at some teams rising up the rankings thanks to their defense.

Holding serve at home is critical to the SEC's chances of packing the bracket, and two prominent bubble-bound squads are helping the cause.

There will be ups and downs for a player so young in such a demanding position. But the juice Dillingham is bringing is undeniable.

Illinois lost at Michigan State on Sunday but might have the highest ceiling of any team in the league.

Michigan State jumped four spots in the poll while Houston jumped three spots to move well within the top 10

Washington grew up in the Dallas area. Following a trade from Charlotte, he has shown himself to be a glue guy for the Mavericks.

The Crimson Tide bounced back from a loss at home to Ole Miss on Tuesday by scoring 100-plus points for the fifth time this season.

The SEC is historically good this season, with 13 bids and seven of the top 10 profiles in the sport at this moment.

Tuesday night makes for an interesting style clash of ranked SEC opponents, with the Wildcats favored at home.

This week's AP poll brings a new No. 1 and notable movement elsewhere.

Robinson finished with 27 points, but the 15 minutes he went between field goal attempts showed the true danger of Kentucky's offense.

Mississippi State is off to one of its best starts of the 21st century. Kentucky has wholly remade itself in year one of Mark Pope's tenure.

What to watch — and how to watch it — across a packed weekend of conference play.