Despite a tough 94-85 home loss to Auburn, Alabama Basketball’s standing in major computer rankings remains largely unscathed, sparking debate over whether these metrics overlook flaws. Auburn, playing like the top-ranked team they are, dominated early with a 14-4 lead and maintained double-digit advantages for much of the second half. Yet, the Crimson Tide (21-4) held firm in key analytical rankings: ESPN’s BPI and Bart Torvik’s system both slot Alabama at No. 5, while Ken Pomeroy and the NCAA NET place them at No. 6. The KPI even retains Auburn at No. 1 and Alabama at No. 2, unchanged from pre-game projections.
However, bracketologists are split on the team’s NCAA Tournament seeding. While ESPN’s Joe Lunardi kept Alabama as the No. 2 overall seed, On3’s James Fletcher III downgraded them to a No. 4 seed, shifting their projected region from the Midwest (Indianapolis) to the West (San Francisco).
Attention now turns to Alabama’s critical road matchup against Missouri, a team boasting a 19-6 record despite a weak non-conference schedule. Ranked No. 14 by Ken Pomeroy, Missouri has proven formidable at home (only one loss) and secured decisive road wins at Florida and Mississippi State. A victory for Alabama would bolster their SEC Tournament positioning, where a double-bye could alleviate the strain of their grueling remaining schedule—rated the toughest in college basketball.
With three weeks left, avoiding a losing streak is paramount. While Alabama’s path is harder than SEC peers like Florida and Tennessee, their NCAA Tournament odds remain stronger. Surviving this gauntlet could secure not only a high seed but also vital rest ahead of March Madness.
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